Seoul: Korean Air Co. announced that the costs associated with integrating Asiana Airlines Inc. could total up to 1 trillion won (US$654.02 million), with anticipated synergies from the merger expected to neutralize the expense by the end of 2028.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during an investor relations session held in Seoul, Korean Air detailed its post-merger integration (PMI) strategy, which estimates the integration costs between 900 billion won and 1 trillion won. The airline projects annual synergy effects from the merger to be approximately 300 billion won. Park Hee-don, a senior vice president at Korean Air, expressed confidence that the synergy effects could surpass the PMI analysis results.

Park further stated, "If things go well, we believe the integration costs could be fully offset sometime between the end of 2028 and early 2029." The airline's strategic plan includes launching the integrated carrier by December 17, aiming to become a global top 10 airline, operating 230 aircraft and generating 23 trillion won in annual revenue.

In response to inquiries about the integration of the two airlines' mileage programs, Korean Air expressed its intention to finalize the process ahead of its shareholders' meeting in August.