Seoul: Asiana Airlines Inc. announced on Thursday that its net loss for the second quarter has increased compared to the previous year, primarily due to escalating fuel costs and a weaker Korean currency. The airline's net loss for the quarter reached 328.6 billion won (US$231 million), up from 233.2 billion won in the same period last year, as detailed in the company's statement.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Asiana Airlines also experienced an operating loss of 295.1 billion won during the second quarter. The airline's sales decreased by 7.7 percent year-on-year, totaling 1.54 trillion won. These financial results come in the wake of shareholder approval for Asiana Airlines' merger with Korean Air Co., a process that has been ongoing for nearly six years.