A Different Path.

Korean Air has been in dogged pursuit of fortifying its economic strength for decades. Despite South Korea's ever-present security concerns, it has succeeded in creating a no-nonsense image, perhaps better known for the freight it hauls than the passengers it pampers. This move comes at an interesting time in Asian aviation. The region's buzz is all about the arrival of discount carriers. Vice President Scott Yoon, one of Korean Air's team leaders for corporate strategy, acknowledges the discount fervor. So far, he points out, it is centered in Southeast Asia where liberalized air services agreements are more prevalent.