Japan Airlines invests in Korean Air parent Hanjin KAL

Japan Airlines (JAL) has acquired an undisclosed stake in Hanjin KAL, the holding company that controls Korean Air. The investment coincides with an announcement to expand the strategic partnership between the two carriers, including broadened codeshare agreements and mileage ties.

The move comes during a period of shifting ownership within Hanjin KAL. Chairman Cho Won-tae’s control is currently being challenged by the Hoban Group, which has increased its stake to 20.15%, narrowing the gap with Cho’s 20.57% holding to just 0.42 percentage points. JAL’s investment is viewed by industry observers as a move that could bolster the Chairman’s friendly shareholder base, joining other strategic partners like Delta Air Lines.

The deepened cooperation follows the ongoing merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. The expanded partnership is expected to enhance coordination on high-demand routes between South Korea and Japan, particularly regarding slot management at Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports.