One Mile at a Time reports on an interesting development in the Asiana / Korean merger previously announced a few months ago: Korean expects to acquire Asiana by 2022 and integrate frequent flyer programs by 2024. That’s a much slower timeline than initially expected, which is good news on several fronts: it means that Asiana sweet spots will likely persist for a couple more years and Asiana will likely continue in Star Alliance, which is useful whether for ANA around the world awards or other sweet spots to Asia using Star Alliance miles.
Many readers will likely be happy to hear that Asiana’s frequent flyer program and association with Star Alliance will persist for longer than originally anticipated for a few reasons:
- Asiana has in the past been a reliable option for people looking for multiple business class award seats on the same flight (at times releasing six seats fairly reliably in business class)
- There are a number of good options for booking Star Alliance awards to Asia that include points from transferable currencies.
- Those planning ANA Around the World trips like Greg is will likely feel more confident including Asiana in those awards in 2022 and 2023.
Of course it is possible that things will change and Asiana’s program or association with Star Alliance could end sooner. However, given that the delay is reportedly due to issues getting regulatory approval, there is also some chance of further delay yet.
Overall, I take this to be good news from a frequent flyer standpoint (though surely bad news for two airlines that are struggling). Read more about it at One Mile at a Time.
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