KAL
🇰🇷 KoreaSkyTeamFSCInternational

Korean Air

South Korea's largest airline. SkyTeam founding member.

¥19M–¥36M
Capt. Salary (pre-tax)
¥9M–¥18M
F/O Salary (pre-tax)
160+ aircraft
Fleet Size
120+ cities
Network
Overview

About Korean Air

Korean Air, founded 1969, is South Korea's largest international carrier. Hubbing at Incheon International Airport, it serves 120+ cities in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. A SkyTeam founding member, it has been pursuing a merger with Asiana Airlines (2024–2026).

HQ
Seoul, South Korea
Hub
Incheon Int'l (ICN)
Alliance
SkyTeam
Founded
1969
Fleet
160+ aircraft
Income Tax
Yes (Korea)
Salary Data

Pilot Salary (as of March 2026)

* Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks. Verify actual compensation with each airline's official recruitment information.

PositionSalary RangeAvg / ReferenceNotes
Captain
Int'l widebody
¥19M–¥36M
¥28M KRW+USD allowances
First Officer
Domestic & int'l
¥9M–¥18M
¥12M Varies by seniority

💡 USD/JPY=150. Korean income tax max 42%. International crew receive FX allowances. Reference values based on Glassdoor 2025 data.

Operations

Routes & Fleet

Routes

ICN hub to Americas (NY, LA, Seattle), Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt), SE Asia, Middle East, Oceania. Extensive Japan routes (NRT/HND/KIX).

Fleet

B777-200ER/300ER, B787-9, B737-8/9, A220-300, A321neo

Training

Training & Checkrides

Type Rating (CAAK Standards)

Type training at CAA Korea-approved ATCs. Ground → simulator → LIFUS. Standard ICAO-based process.

LIFUS (Line Training)

Post-type-rating supervised line flying. Typically 50–75 legs.

Recurrent Checks

OPC/LPC 1–2x per year per CAAK requirements.

Captain Upgrade

Seniority-based. After meeting F/O hours and passing internal assessments.

Benefits

Benefits & Perks

✈️
Staff Travel

Discounted/standby tickets for self and family. SkyTeam partners included.

🏥
Health Insurance

Comprehensive medical coverage for pilot and family. Loss of license insurance.

💰
Performance Bonus

Annual performance-linked bonus (2–4 months typical).

📅
Annual Leave

20–30 days. Long-haul crews receive recovery leave.

🏦
Pension

Corporate pension or defined contribution plan.

🌐
Layover Allowance

Per diem for international layovers by city tier.

Job Openings

Recruitment Info (as of March 2026)

Hiring status: Foreign pilot hiring limited as of March 2026. Check official recruiting page.

Captain / First Officer (Regular Recruitment)
Domestic & international. ICN base.
Check Official Page
License: ATPL/CPL (ICAO mutual recognition)
English: ICAO Level 4+
Min. Hours: Capt 5,000h / F/O 1,500h (guideline)
Employment: Full-time

* Foreign pilot conditions vary. Always check official careers page.