Korean Air is the flag carrier and largest airline of South Korea, headquartered in Seoul. Founded in 1969 following the privatization of the state-owned Korean Air Lines, it has grown into one of Asia's leading carriers, operating an extensive international and domestic network spanning over 110 cities in more than 40 countries. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance and operates one of the largest cargo networks in the world alongside its passenger services. Korean Air has consistently invested in modernizing its fleet and expanding its route network, making Incheon International Airport a major transpacific and intercontinental hub. Korean Air is operated by Hanjin Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates. In recent years, the airline has pursued a significant merger with Asiana Airlines, subject to regulatory approvals, which would consolidate South Korea's two major carriers into a single dominant national airline.