Analysts said, however, that Asiana's greenlighting of the cargo unit sale did not necessarily ensure smooth sailing ahead for the deal.
They noted the desired valuation for the air cargo unit of some 700 billion won ($520 million) including debt, as reported by local media, was probably too high.
Approving the sale was a contentious issue at Asiana amid concerns that a takeover by Korean Air would lead to the loss of many Asiana jobs.
Korean Air also said it will buy 300 billion won of convertible bonds issued by Asiana, part of fresh financial support to the smaller airline.
The company accounts for about a fifth of South Korea's market for overseas air cargo.
Persons:
Bae, Asiana, IAG, 1,342.9900, Joyce Lee, Heekyong Yang, Hyunsu Yim, Edwina Gibbs
Organizations:
Asiana Airlines, Korean Air Lines, Korean Air, country's, European, Analysts, Hi Investment, Securities, European Union, European Commission, Air, Lufthansa, ITA Airways, British Airways, Spanish, Korea Development Bank, Asiana, Thomson
Locations:
SEOUL, KS, Korean, Union, United States, Japan, Asiana, Iberia, Germany, Russia