Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae received CAPA’s 2026 Asia Airline Executive of the Year Award for steering Korean Air through the COVID-19 crisis and leading its integration with Asiana Airlines. Korean Air converted passenger aircraft for cargo operations and expanded its freight business as passenger demand collapsed in 2020. CAPA also cited Korean Air’s progress in incorporating Asiana as a subsidiary after overseas competition reviews, with the integrated Korean Air set to launch on Dec. 17. Cho previously served as chairman of the SkyTeam board and is currently a member of the International Air Transport Association Executive Committee. He has also received major aviation and management awards in 2023 and 2024.