IATA Code: KE ICAO Code: KAL Known As: Korean Air Lines Full Name: Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd. Country: Korea, Republic of Hubs: Seoul Callsign: Korean Air Web Site: www.koreanair.com History: Korean Air was established in 1962 as Korean Air Lines and owned by the South Korean government, replacing the former Korean flag carrier Korean National Airlines. KAL was privatized in 1969 and a 1984 rebranding resulted in the familair blue-top livery and name Korean Air.