Korean Air has announced plans to acquire the remaining 80% stake in Korean Air C&D Service from Hahn & Company. This strategic buyback will restore the airline’s full ownership of its in-flight catering and duty-free retail operations. The transaction to acquire 5,010,343 shares, estimated at KRW 750 billion, was approved by Korean Air’s Board of Directors on March 12. After the agreement is finalised, Korean Air C&D Service will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Bringing these essential services back in-house aims to guarantee a stable supply of in-flight meals and strengthen overall service competitiveness ahead of the upcoming launch of the integrated airline. Additionally, Korean Air plans to roll out upgraded in-flight duty-free offerings to further enhance the passenger experience. Korean Air previously divested an 80% stake in its in-flight catering and duty-free business to Hahn & Company in 2020 to secure liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic, retaining a 20% share. With this acquisition, Korean Air successfully reclaims a core pillar of its customer service operations.
Dnata on track to expand Zurich cargo capacity by 50% with new facility
With air freight volumes at Zurich Airport remaining robust, dnata will expand its cargo operations through a new, purpose-built facility at the airport, designed to support long-term growth, improve operational efficiency and further enhance service reliability for customers and partners in Switzerland. Dnata handled 56,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025, up nearly 4% year on year, reflecting sustained demand for quality cargo services and the need for expanded infrastructure at Zurich Airport.
Construction of the new dnata Cargo Centre is well advanced and forms part of dnata’s long-term investment in its Zurich operations. The facility is scheduled to open in early 2027. Once operational, dnata’s annual cargo handling capacity in Zurich will increase by 50%, from 60,000 to 90,000 tonnes, marking a significant expansion of its operational capabilities at the airport. The facility will include 8,330 square metres of warehouse space, of which 7,580 square metres will be dedicated to indoor cargo handling, complemented by 4,600 metres of covered outdoor handling areas. It will replace the existing Fracht West warehouse, originally built in the 1960s, which has reached the limits of its operational and expansion potential.
The new facility is being developed by Zurich Airport. Alongside the airport’s investment of more than CHF 40 million in the building infrastructure, dnata is committing approximately CHF 6 million to equip the site, including the installation of its modern ULD material handling system. The development supports rising demand across both general cargo and specialised products, including pharmaceuticals.
Credits: Korean Air
