Air Koryo

Air Koryo, the national carrier of North Korea, has a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century. The airline was founded in 1954 as SOKAO, in cooperation with the Soviet Aeroflot, before being rebranded as Air Koryo in 1992. For decades, the company focused on building strong international ties, serving routes between Beijing, Shanghai, and various cities in the region.

The Air Koryo fleet consists of around 30 aircraft, mainly Soviet models such as Tupolev and Antonov, but also newer aircraft like the Tupolev Tu-204. The airline currently serves about 20 destinations, both international and domestic, with Beijing and Vladivostok being key international connections. Despite challenges, the airline transports thousands of passengers annually, serving as a connecting element between North Korea and the rest of the world.

Air Koryo has gained recognition for its unique onboard services, reflecting the culture and traditions of North Korea. Customers are often served meals made from typical North Korean products and can also experience traditional music during flights. However, in the Skytrax ranking, the airline received a low rating, which has also sparked many anecdotes and stories among the traveler community.

Although Air Koryo has not won international awards for passenger services, the airline is tirelessly working to improve its offerings. They are implementing initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and investing in newer, more environmentally friendly technologies. Examples of such efforts include fleet modernization and the introduction of more efficient operational procedures.

Despite economic difficulties and international sanctions, Air Koryo maintains active connections through various international partnerships, mainly with China and Russia. The airline's global reach is limited, but strategic partnerships help maintain crucial connections and facilitate the transportation of goods and passengers between North Korea and the rest of the world.

Air Koryo prioritizes the passenger experience, aiming to highlight the uniqueness of traveling with their airline. Passengers praise the hospitality of the cabin crew and the interesting service elements as something exceptional and uncommon in other airlines. The airline also engages in promoting tourism in North Korea, offering special tour packages in cooperation with domestic travel agencies.