Korean Air announced that the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had approved its planned business combination with Asiana Airlines on March 1, adding to the jurisdictions that have given their green light on the merger of the two South Korean airlines.

In a statement, Korean Air noted that it now only awaits business competition approvals from the E.U., Japan and the U.S.

"The CMA announced on November 28 last year that it accepted remedies submitted by Korean Air, and would listen to market opinions before approving the business combination," the carrier said in the announcement.

It added that later, the CMA notified the airline on January 26, that it needed more time to review the remedies and would extend its review until March 23.

"The CMA's approval is evidence that the proposed remedies submitted by the airline have resolved competition restriction concerns," Korean Air added.

As part of the remediation effort, Korean Air noted that it would enter into a cooperative partnership with Virgin Atlantic's operation on the London Heathrow - Seoul Incheon route.

Korean Air added that it would also continue to fully cooperate with all authorities to receive approvals at the earliest opportunity.

 Source: Korean Air

From January 2021, Korean Air has reported its business combination to a total of 14 competition authorities.

Eleven countries, including the UK, have either approved the combination or have concluded the review on the grounds that the business combination was not subject to review or report.

Meanwhile, on February 17, the European Commission raised concerns about the proposed Korean Air-Asiana Air merger reducing competition — and decided to go through a Phase 2 review of the Korean-Asiana merger.

Korean Air said then that it would continue dialogue with the European Commission and "submit our remedies" to address their concerns.