Walter Cho, the CEO of Korean Air, has been named Aviation Week Network’s Airline Executive of the Year for his dynamic management style and industry vision. His out-of-the-box thinking, particularly in forming partnerships with other carriers and developing the cargo business, has made Korean Air stronger than ever despite the challenges of the pandemic. Cho’s leadership and crisis management have been widely praised, and he successfully navigated the COVID-19 crisis and led the airline to record high profits both in 2021 and 2022. He also made the bold decision to acquire Asiana Airlines, which will make Korean Air one of the world’s top 10 airlines.
While accepting the award, Cho cited the importance of connectivity and the efforts of the Korean Air team and its partners to maintain connectivity for both passengers and cargo throughout the pandemic. He expressed his appreciation for the recognition and his commitment to evolving and adapting to changes to provide reliable services to customers and partners in the future.