Asiana Airlines is a South Korean airline founded in 1988. It is the second largest airline in South Korea, behind Korean Air, and currently operates a fleet of more than 100 aircraft. Asiana is a member of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance, and is also a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The history of Asiana Airlines began in 1980, when the Korean government created the Korean Air Lines Company Ltd. (KAL) to manage the country's national air service. Asiana Airlines was formed in 1988 as a subsidiary of KAL, and the first flights began in December of that year.
The initial fleet of Asiana Airlines consisted of two Boeing 727-200s and two Boeing 737-200s. In the following years, the airline gradually expanded its fleet and services, adding flights to China, Japan, and North America. By the mid-1990s, Asiana Airlines had become one of the top 10 airlines in Asia.
In 2001, Asiana Airlines became the first airline in South Korea to join the Star Alliance. This partnership allowed the airline to expand its international reach and offer more flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In 2006, Asiana Airlines became the first South Korean carrier to fly to the United States, with flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Asiana Airlines has experienced significant growth and expansion over the years. In 2009, the airline placed an order for 30 Airbus A320 family aircraft, and in 2011, it placed an order for 20 Boeing 777-200ERs. Asiana Airlines currently operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft, with an average age of 8.9 years.
In July 2013, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed while attempting to land at San Francisco International Airport, killing three passengers and injuring more than 180. The crash was later attributed to pilot error, and the airline was found to be negligent in its training and safety procedures.
Asiana Airlines has also been the subject of several federal investigations, including one in 2011 regarding the airline's maintenance practices. The investigation revealed that the airline had inadequate safety and maintenance procedures, and the airline was required to pay a fine and make changes to its safety procedures.
Asiana Airlines has come a long way since its founding in 1988. Today, the airline is one of the largest carriers in Asia and a member of the world's largest airline alliance. The airline has experienced significant growth and expansion over the years, and has also faced several challenges, including air crashes and federal investigations. Despite these challenges, Asiana Airlines continues to be a leader in the aviation industry and an important part of South Korea's economy.
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