Air Koryo is the state-owned national airline of North Korea, headquartered in Pyongyang. Established in 1950, it operates both domestic and international flights. The airline's main hub is Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. Despite its limited network and aged fleet, Air Koryo remains an important part of North Korea's transportation infrastructure.
Services
- In-Flight Entertainment : Air Koryo offers basic in-flight entertainment, including North Korean films, documentaries, and music.
- Catering Services : Passengers are provided with meals, often featuring traditional North Korean cuisine, such as cold noodles and kimchi.
- Comfortable Seating : The airline offers standard seating arrangements with adequate legroom and adjustable headrests.
- Frequent Flyer Program : Currently, Air Koryo does not offer a frequent flyer program.
- Customer Support : The airline provides basic customer support services to assist with booking, flight changes, and inquiries.
Expriences
- Michael Palin : The British travel writer and TV presenter documented his experience flying with Air Koryo, noting the unique cultural aspects of the airline.
- Lisa Ling : The American journalist flew with Air Koryo for a documentary, highlighting the airline’s vintage aircraft and distinctive in-flight experience.
- Eric Lafforgue : The French photographer shared his experience with Air Koryo, focusing on the service and North Korean cultural elements onboard.
Interesting Facts
- Historic Airline : Air Koryo was founded in 1950 as SOKAO, a joint North Korean-Soviet airline, and later became Air Koryo in 1992.
- Limited Network : The airline operates a limited number of international routes, mainly to China and Russia, and several domestic routes within North Korea.
- Vintage Fleet : Air Koryo's fleet includes several Soviet-era aircraft, such as the Tupolev Tu-204 and Ilyushin Il-62.
- UN Sanctions : The airline is subject to various international sanctions, affecting its operations and fleet modernization.
- Cultural Showcase : Air Koryo flights often feature North Korean cultural elements, such as music and food, providing passengers with a unique travel experience.
Frequent Flyers
- Kim Jong-un : The North Korean leader occasionally uses Air Koryo for state visits and official trips.
- Dennis Rodman : The former NBA star has flown with Air Koryo during his visits to North Korea.
- Alejandro Cao de Benós : The Spanish special delegate for North Korea has frequently used Air Koryo for his travels.
- Kenji Fujimoto : The Japanese chef and former sushi chef to Kim Jong-il has used Air Koryo for his travels to North Korea.
- Antonio Razzi : The Italian politician has traveled with Air Koryo during his visits to North Korea.
Myths
- Unsafe Airline : A common myth is that Air Koryo is unsafe; however, the airline adheres to strict safety regulations and has a relatively good safety record.
- No International Flights : Some believe Air Koryo only operates domestic flights, but it does have international routes to China and Russia.
Offbeat Destinations
- Samjiyon : Known for its proximity to Mount Paektu, a significant cultural and historical site.
- Hyesan : Offers beautiful mountainous landscapes and is a gateway to Mount Paektu.
- Wonsan : A port city with scenic beaches and the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area.
- Hamhung : North Korea’s second-largest city, known for its historical sites and industrial significance.
- Chongjin : An important port city in the northeast, with a unique industrial and cultural landscape.
- Sinuiju : A border city near China, known for its trade significance and the Yalu River.
- Kaesong : A historic city with well-preserved ancient sites and cultural heritage.
- Nampo : A port city with scenic spots and the West Sea Barrage.
- Rason : A special economic zone in the northeast, promoting trade and tourism.
- Anju : Known for its coal mining industry and scenic beauty.
Useful Resources
Awards
- Air Koryo has not received significant international awards for its service quality or operational excellence. However, it has been the subject of various travel documentaries and reports, often highlighting its unique position as the national airline of North Korea and its distinctive in-flight experience. Despite its vintage fleet and limited network, Air Koryo continues to play a crucial role in North Korea's transportation infrastructure.