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Flying high: Is North Korea revamping its one-star airline and air force? Flying high: Is North Korea revamping its one-star airline and air force?
(4 months later)
The North Korean regime appears to be trying to revitalise the public image and perception of its air force and national airline, based on recent events and their portrayal in state media.The North Korean regime appears to be trying to revitalise the public image and perception of its air force and national airline, based on recent events and their portrayal in state media.
Analysis of these events suggests Pyongyang is likely hoping to raise domestic confidence in and foreign respect for the Korean People’s Army airforce and its national civil carrier, Air Koryo – the world's only one-star airline.Analysis of these events suggests Pyongyang is likely hoping to raise domestic confidence in and foreign respect for the Korean People’s Army airforce and its national civil carrier, Air Koryo – the world's only one-star airline.
Kim Jong-un presided over three highly publicised, air force-related events in the past month. The most recent of these was a combat flight contest, reported by the state news agency KCNA and Rodong Sinmun, on 10 May.Kim Jong-un presided over three highly publicised, air force-related events in the past month. The most recent of these was a combat flight contest, reported by the state news agency KCNA and Rodong Sinmun, on 10 May.
All of these events touted the accomplishments and capability of the airforce, especially in the face of joint South Korean-US air force drills last month. Pilots received awards at the events and the recent flight contest demonstrated North Korea’s best aircraft, including the MiG-29 and Su-25.All of these events touted the accomplishments and capability of the airforce, especially in the face of joint South Korean-US air force drills last month. Pilots received awards at the events and the recent flight contest demonstrated North Korea’s best aircraft, including the MiG-29 and Su-25.
North Korea’s air force will never be seen as superior to that of South Korea's or the United States', but that isn’t necessary for them to be seen as a serious threat.North Korea’s air force will never be seen as superior to that of South Korea's or the United States', but that isn’t necessary for them to be seen as a serious threat.
The regime has reminded the world that it still has functional combat aircraft which can make things more difficult for enemy forces. They can also use planes to penetrate southern airspace to bring in special forces, conduct reconnaissance, or carry out strikes.The regime has reminded the world that it still has functional combat aircraft which can make things more difficult for enemy forces. They can also use planes to penetrate southern airspace to bring in special forces, conduct reconnaissance, or carry out strikes.
Pyongyang has made some aesthetic changes to its air force and national air carrier lately. Again, this suggests an effort to improve the image of the air services domestically and abroad.Pyongyang has made some aesthetic changes to its air force and national air carrier lately. Again, this suggests an effort to improve the image of the air services domestically and abroad.
The Il-62s used for VIP transport were previously painted in livery almost identical to that of Air Koryo. But the Il-62 used by Kim on his recent trip featured different livery. This included the Korean name of the DPRK written in a stylised Hangul font and a new logo on the tail, featuring a roundel like that of the KPA Air Force – albeit with different proportions – flanked by a blue, stylised bird-of-prey.The Il-62s used for VIP transport were previously painted in livery almost identical to that of Air Koryo. But the Il-62 used by Kim on his recent trip featured different livery. This included the Korean name of the DPRK written in a stylised Hangul font and a new logo on the tail, featuring a roundel like that of the KPA Air Force – albeit with different proportions – flanked by a blue, stylised bird-of-prey.
A similar bird – also blue – probably intended to be an eagle or a falcon, appeared as the logo for the flight contest. This new style logo may end up applied to the entire air force in the future. Air Koryo’s website continues to show the airline’s blue crane logo, so this one is likely air force-specific.A similar bird – also blue – probably intended to be an eagle or a falcon, appeared as the logo for the flight contest. This new style logo may end up applied to the entire air force in the future. Air Koryo’s website continues to show the airline’s blue crane logo, so this one is likely air force-specific.
Even Air Koryo itself has shown efforts to improve its image. The airline introduced new uniforms last November and resumed service to Kuwait City from Pyongyang in March.Even Air Koryo itself has shown efforts to improve its image. The airline introduced new uniforms last November and resumed service to Kuwait City from Pyongyang in March.
Kim – along with his wife and senior officials – traveled to the recent event on an Il-62. Kim was first publicly seen to travel by air in early April.Kim – along with his wife and senior officials – traveled to the recent event on an Il-62. Kim was first publicly seen to travel by air in early April.
The most basic reason for Kim traveling by air is almost surely that he simply does not share his father’s famous fear of flying. But state media continues to highlight Kim’s use of air travel. The most basic reason for Kim traveling by air is almost surely that he simply does not share his father’s famous fear of flying. But state media continues to highlight Kim’s use of air travel.
The 10 May report on the combat flight contest stated: “Kim Jong-un arrived at the airfield by air at 9:00 am” and later said “Kim Jong-un embarked on the plane.” The article also included several photos of Kim and his wife disembarking from the aircraft and one final photo of the plane taking off.The 10 May report on the combat flight contest stated: “Kim Jong-un arrived at the airfield by air at 9:00 am” and later said “Kim Jong-un embarked on the plane.” The article also included several photos of Kim and his wife disembarking from the aircraft and one final photo of the plane taking off.
Pyongyang may be trying to use Kim’s own willingness to fly to improve perceptions of the air force and national airline. Now that North Korea has a Supreme Leader who flies, it is advantageous to show the public that Kim has confidence enough in the nation’s air services to use the planes himself.Pyongyang may be trying to use Kim’s own willingness to fly to improve perceptions of the air force and national airline. Now that North Korea has a Supreme Leader who flies, it is advantageous to show the public that Kim has confidence enough in the nation’s air services to use the planes himself.
Outside observers frequently view North Korea’s air force and airline as less than competent and not very competitive. Attempts to alter perceptions about its air services fit into the bigger picture of Pyongyang always hoping to be seen as a serious and legitimate nation with real institutions and real capabilities.Outside observers frequently view North Korea’s air force and airline as less than competent and not very competitive. Attempts to alter perceptions about its air services fit into the bigger picture of Pyongyang always hoping to be seen as a serious and legitimate nation with real institutions and real capabilities.