Korean Air Unveils AI Drones at Asia's Biggest Drone Show

A major airline just proved it's building way more than the planes you fly on for vacation.

Korean Air took center stage at Drone Show Korea 2026 this week, unveiling AI-powered drones and advanced air mobility tech that could reshape how we think about transportation. The three-day event at Busan Exhibition and Convention Center brought together over 300 companies from 23 countries, making it Asia's biggest showcase of drone innovation.

The airline revealed an AI-powered subsonic drone developed with US defense tech company Anduril Industries, marking its domestic debut. Korean Air also displayed multi-purpose drones, communication relay systems, and advanced aircraft maintenance tech powered by drone swarm technology.

But the real eye-catcher was in the Advanced Air Mobility zone. Korean Air showed off ACROSS, its proprietary platform for managing flying vehicle traffic and operations, alongside a mockup of an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft from partner Archer Aviation. Think flying taxis that could one day zip you across the city while you sip your morning coffee.

The company didn't just set up displays and call it a day. Korean Air hosted technology seminars throughout the event, presenting its drone capabilities roadmap on February 25 and partnering with Archer Aviation for a joint seminar the next day. The airline also signed memorandums of understanding with global advanced air mobility partners, cementing collaborations that could bring these technologies to life.

The Ripple Effect

Korean Air's transformation signals a broader shift in how traditional airlines are thinking about the future. By expanding into AI-driven aerospace technologies and urban air mobility, the company is positioning South Korea as a major player in next-generation transportation. The innovations showcased could eventually reduce traffic congestion, speed up emergency response times, and create cleaner transportation options for cities worldwide.

The airline's investment in smart mobility and physical AI shows how aviation companies are evolving beyond their traditional roles. What starts as technology for military or commercial use often trickles down to everyday applications that improve lives.

Korean Air is betting big on becoming what it calls a "world-class comprehensive aerospace company," and this exhibition proves they're putting serious resources behind that vision.

The future of getting around just got a lot more exciting.