Air Koryo, the North Korean carrier described as “the world’s worst airline”, has finally moved into the digital age with its first online booking service. The state-owned airline, which is the only one in the world with just one star according to the ranking service Skytrax, now sells flights from Pyongyang to Beijing and Shenyang in China, and Vladivostok in Russia, on its website. The website (www.airkoryo.com.kp/en), which launched in August, promises “easier, quicker, reliable booking and ticketing services.”
Early reports seems to suggest the website is unlikely to help the North Korean flag carrier shake its one-star rating, however. Users have already reported slow response speeds, with some searches not offering any availability for flights, while others result in an error message appearing on the screen. The majority of its aircraft are banned from operating in the EU. While it is the only airline to have the one-star rating, there are 29 functioning airlines listed with a two-star Skytrax rating, defined as representing “poor, inconsistent standards.” Air Zimbabwe, Bulgaria Air and Ryanair are among the airlines listed in this category.
