Walter Cho named Asia airline executive of year for pandemic response, oversight of Asiana merger
Korean Air and Hanjin Group Chairman and CEO Walter Cho has been named the Asia Airline executive of the year for his leadership through the pandemic and the airline’s merger with Asiana Airlines, Korean Air said Monday.
Cho received the award at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia, held Thursday and Friday at New Chitose Airport on the northern Japanese island Hokkaido. The ceremony was held by CAPA — Center for Aviation, an aviation market intelligence provider that recognizes executives for their decision-making and business impact.
Judges highlighted Cho’s management during the COVID-19 crisis and his oversight of the Korean Air-Asiana integration, with the combined carrier scheduled to launch on Dec. 17.
Cho also chairs the SkyTeam Alliance Board and serves on the International Air Transport Association’s Board of Governors.
In an interview at the summit, Cho discussed the integration plans and benefits the combined airline is expected to offer passengers.
“His visionary leadership has been transformative not only for the airline, but for the region as a whole,” said Marco Navarria, CAPA’s senior director of content and marketing. “Walter’s commitment to strategic partnerships and collaboration exemplifies the forward-thinking approach our industry needs.”
The award follows Cho’s 2023 Air Transport World Excellence in Leadership Award and his selection as Korea executive of the year by the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration in 2024.
yejinlim@heraldcorp.com