Korean Air is acquiring 44% of its SkyTeam partner, Czech Airlines, and by acquiring Czech Airline’s shares, Korean Air becomes the airline’s second largest shareholder.

The acquisition of Czech Airline’s stake will go into the history of the Korean aviation industry: it is the first time that a Korean airline has taken a stake in a foreign airline. The overseas expansion in electronics and automobiles has been prominent, but this marks the first in Korean airline history.

Korean Air passengers will be able to enjoy a wider variety of European routes because of this acquisition. Passengers flying to European cities such as Berlin, Madrid, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest and Warsaw can easily transfer through Prague’s airport. Prague’s perfect location offers quick connections to these cities.

Korean Air plans to expand its network through Prague airport by increasing its code share flights and improving its connection schedules with Czech Airlines. Also, to help Czech Airlines operate direct flights between Prague and Incheon, Korean Air will lease the Czech carrier one of its A330-300s. Czech Airlines plans to operate direct flights between Prague and Incheon twice a week – providing their customers a wider choice of schedule.