Korean Air unveils special aircraft decoration to promote Busan Expo bid

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Business

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 04:20

Companies

Korean Air unveils special aircraft decoration to promote Busan Expo bid

Posted : 2023-05-03 16:38

Updated : 2023-05-03 16:45

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, center, poses with Bidding Committee for World Expo 2030 Busan Co-Chairman Chey Tae-won, fourth from right, Korean Air CEO Cho Won-tae, fourth from left, and other government and company officials in front of a special Boeing 777-300ER aircraft bearing a decorative image in support of Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 at the airline's hangar at Incheon International Airport, Wednesday. From third from left are Korean Air President Woo Kee-hong, Cho, Han, Chey and senior presidential secretary to the for future strategy Jang Sung-min. Courtesy of Korean Air

By Kim Hyun-bin

Korean Air unveiled a special design for its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to support Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 at the airline's hangar at Incheon International Airport, Wednesday.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Korean Air Chairman and CEO Cho Won-tae, Bidding Committee for World Expo 2030 Busan Co-Chairman Chey Tae-won, senior presidential secretary for future strategy Jang Sung-min and Korean Air President Woo Kee-hong.

"Hosting the Expo in Busan will be a great opportunity to further advocate our nation's presence on the global stage, and Korean Air is proud to play its role in the bid for the World Expo 2030 Busan," the Korean Air CEO said in his welcoming address. "As a leader in global aviation, Korean Air will take advantage of its extensive network to support the bid."

The Boeing 777-300ER livery features the world-renowned K-pop group BLACKPINK. Recognized globally, BLACKPINK is on a world tour to meet its 1.5 million fans. In March, Korean Air signed a partnership agreement with YG Entertainment and became the official airline sponsor of BLACKPINK's world tour.

"The Korean Air livery unveiled today is a testament to Korea's vibrant and influential cultural scene that has captivated the world," Prime Minister Han said in his speech. "The bid takes a concerted effort, and I want to thank Chairman Cho and the Korean Air team for taking this initiative in steering the bid effort. We look forward to seeing the Korean Air livery making stops around the world to exhibit the nation's resolve to host the World Expo in Busan."

The specially decorated plane begins its journey on May 4, departing from Incheon for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France and making stops in multiple destinations served by the 777-300ER fleet on the airline's global network.

In addition to rendering travel arrangements for the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Enquiry Mission in April, the airline is also featuring promotional video clips on its inflight entertainment system and at Incheon International Airport lounges. Korean Air's inflight magazine, Morning Calm, also features promotional articles highlighting Busan's capabilities to host the Expo event.

hyunbin@koreatimes.co.kr