“Excellence in Flight”. Three words. A mission. This is the reality of Korea Air, a world-class airline based in Seoul. Guided by the mantra of perseverance, Korea Air has traveled far since its founding and initial failure in the 1960s. Today it dominates the skies with a fleet of more than 140 modern aircraft serving 122 destinations in over 40 countries (“Korea Air”). However, its beginning is very different from the status quo. In reality, the airline was founded by Choong-Hoon Cho in 1945 as a trucking company to serve US military outposts in South Korea. In 1960, the South Korean government nationalized the company and [for national security reasons] attempted to turn it into an airline, dubbing it Korea's national airline. Unable to compete and garnering little demand for air traffic, the government plan ultimately failed, and in 1962 the government called on Cho to restructure the airline. Praising his success in turning the bankrupt company around, the government returned control of KNA to Cho in 1969. To commemorate his takeover, Cho renamed the company Korea Air Lines Co ("Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. History") . , the airline struggled to stimulate demand in the 1970s. First, the South Korean government has restricted travel by Korean civilians abroad and within the country. Additionally, the Soviet Union, due to Cold War animosity, barred Korea Air Lines from flying in Soviet airspace, limiting its ability to offer flights to Europe. As a result, the company focused on cargo and international flights to the United States. To maximize its profits, Korea Air Lines has engaged in two upgrade initiatives: a complete computerization of the company's operations and entry into the Korean defense aerospace industry, becoming the first Kor...... middle of paper . .....- in-czech-airlines-384533>."History of Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd.." History of Korea Air Lines Co., Ltd. – FundingUniverse.Funding Universe, nd Web. September 18, 2013 .."Details and history of the Korea Air Lines fleet." Planespotters.net Aviation only. Np, nd Web.02 October 2013. “Our Flight.” Korea Air America. Korea Air and Web. October 2, 2013..Shim, Firadus H. “Korean Air Eyes Hong Kong and China Business Aviation Wing.” KoreaAir is targeting Hong Kong and China for its business aviation wing. International Flight, March 7, 2013. Network. September 18. 2013. .