Korean Air rides out pandemic turbulence with turn to cargo

Flag carrier reports quarterly operating profit as freight accounts for 66% of revenue

20201105N korean air loading container

Korean Air Lines' robust cargo business has kept South Korea's flag carrier afloat during the pandemic.

KOTARO HOSOKAWA, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- Korean Air Lines reported its second straight quarterly operating profit on the back of its robust cargo business, defying the global industry's malaise from the steep drop-off in passenger traffic.

In September, Korean Air removed all seats from two Boeing 777s to convert the passenger planes into cargo carriers after it became clear ridership would not improve in the short term amid the pandemic-induced travel restrictions.

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