Air Koryo

Air Koryo
P. K. Koo · CC0 · source
Airline	Air Koryo
Founded	21 September 1955
Headquarters	Sunan District, Pyongyang, North Korea
Key people	An Pyong-chol (Director General)
Hubs	Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
Fleet size	12

Air Koryo. It is the state-owned flag carrier of North Korea, operating under the authority of the State Affairs Commission. The airline was originally founded as the Korean People's Air Force's air transport wing before being reorganized for civilian operations. Its primary hub is Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, from which it connects the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to a limited number of international destinations, primarily in China and Russia.

History

The airline's origins trace back to 1955, when it was established as SOKAO with assistance from the Soviet Union and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Initially equipped with Soviet-made aircraft like the Ilyushin Il-12, its early network included flights to cities such as Beijing and Moscow. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the severe economic hardships of the Arduous March, the carrier faced significant challenges, retiring older Soviet fleets. A notable period in its operations included charter flights to destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Macau during the 1990s. The airline has been subject to various international sanctions, including those imposed by the United Nations Security Council, which have impacted its ability to acquire modern Western aircraft.

Fleet

The operational fleet consists primarily of aging Soviet and Russian-built aircraft. The mainstays for international routes are several models of the Tupolev Tu-204 and the Antonov An-148. For shorter domestic and regional routes, the airline utilizes the Antonov An-24 and the Ilyushin Il-18 turboprops. The airline also operates cargo services using the Ilyushin Il-76 freighter. Historically, its fleet included models like the Ilyushin Il-62 and the Tupolev Tu-154, which have since been phased out. The inability to procure aircraft from manufacturers like Boeing or Airbus due to sanctions has dictated this fleet composition.

Destinations

As of recent years, its scheduled international network is heavily focused on Northeast Asia. The primary and most frequent route is to Beijing Capital International Airport, with services also operating to Shenyang and occasionally Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The only other regular international destination is Vladivostok International Airport in Russia. Charter flights have, at times, been conducted to cities such as Kuwait City and Kuala Lumpur. Domestically, it maintains scheduled services from Pyongyang to cities like Chongjin and Hamhung, though these are primarily for government and official use.

Services and onboard experience

The onboard service is characterized by its distinct representation of North Korea. Meals often feature traditional Korean cuisine such as kimchi and bibimbap, accompanied by beverages like Taedonggang Beer. In-flight entertainment is typically limited to state-approved media, including broadcasts from Korean Central Television and performances by the State Merited Chorus. Cabin crew are trained at the Pyongyang University of Transportation and are known for their formal, disciplined service style. The airline has garnered attention for its unique in-flight magazine, *Koryo Tour*, and for serving the controversial delicacy of Korean Air Koryo burger on some flights.

Safety record and international restrictions

The airline has been subject to longstanding operational restrictions due to safety concerns. For many years, it was included on the European Union's list of banned carriers, prohibiting its aircraft from entering EU airspace. While some models like the Tupolev Tu-204 were later exempted from this ban, the overall safety reputation has been impacted by incidents involving its older aircraft. International oversight is limited, as North Korea is not a participant in the International Civil Aviation Organization's universal safety audit program. These factors have significantly constrained its network expansion and operational partnerships with other global airlines.

In popular culture

The airline has attained a cult status among a niche group of aviation enthusiasts, often referred to as "avgeeks", who seek to fly on its rare Soviet-era aircraft. It is frequently featured in documentaries and travelogues about North Korea, such as those produced by Vice Media and the BBC. The airline's distinctive livery and vintage interiors have made it a subject of numerous photographic essays and YouTube videos. It also appears in literary works and reports by journalists like Paul Fischer in his book *A Kim Jong-Il Production*, highlighting its role in the isolated state's infrastructure.