Foreign Pilots of Korean Air, Asiana Remain Under Unpaid Leaves Until July

Korean Air Lines Co. and Asiana Airlines Inc. will place their foreign pilots under extended unpaid leaves until July due to continuing lockdowns and entry restrictions.

Korean Air's 376 foreign pilots were among those who took the unpaid leave from April to June.

Only a few dozen foreign pilots required for the operation of cargo planes continued with their jobs.

Korean Air has suspended over 90 percent of its flights.

The over 900 flights on 112 international destinations it serves before the lockdown is down to 101 flights a week for 26 international routes.

On the other hand, Asiana Airlines said it would extend the unpaid leave program until the business climate improves "to a certain level."

Asiana has 120 foreign pilots that were placed on unpaid leaves in March.

It also employs dozens of foreign pilots for the operation of cargo planes that were not placed on leave.

Asiana also suspended more than 90 percent of its flights and now offers 57 flights a week on 15 international destinations, down from its usual 650 weekly flights on 72 international routes.