Korean Air said Wednesday it won five gold and three silver awards at the 2026 Magellan Awards, organized by US travel industry publication Travel Weekly.
The airline received gold awards in five categories — international carrier, service, first class, airport lounge and in-flight menu — and silver awards for technology solutions, business class and environmental sustainability.
The annual awards recognize excellence in travel services, marketing and design. This year's winners were selected by a panel of 17 industry experts based on achievements in 2025.
Korean Air claimed gold in the international carrier, service, first class and in-flight menu categories for the second consecutive year, reflecting upgrades to its premium cabins and onboard dining as part of its corporate rebranding.
The airline also earned recognition for its renovated lounges at Incheon Airport, including first-class facilities offering personalized services and Prestige lounges equipped with live cooking stations, cooking studios and a ramen library.
In technology, Korean Air has introduced digital systems for fuel management, predictive maintenance and logistics, alongside AI-powered customer service and chatbots.
The carrier also reported cutting carbon emissions from aircraft operations and related activities by more than 485,000 metric tons in 2025 compared with a year earlier. The reduction was supported by more fuel-efficient aircraft and optimized flight speeds. Korean Air has also begun introducing plant-based in-flight meal containers.
yejinlim@heraldcorp.com