Asiana Airlines and KORAIL, the state-run railway operator, will form a business alliance for a flight-railway package while also providing additional benefits for their customers, Asiana announced Thursday.

The two companies agreed to jointly promote and market “Rail & Miles,” a bundle that contains both flight and railway transportation, in order to bolster inbound travel.

Customers who reserve international flights through the Asiana website will have the option to purchase discounted tickets for the new Korea Train Express line to and from Incheon International Airport that is set to begin operating in April.

Foreigners visiting Korea will also be able to purchase the “Rail & Miles” package at a discounted price from their local travel agencies. This service will first be offered in China, then in other overseas locations, according to the air carrier.

Moreover, foreign travelers who purchase KORAIL’s “KR PASS,” a foreigner-only pass that allows unlimited use of the KTX railway for a select number of days, can also receive flight mileage for Asiana Airlines through the new integrated mileage system.

“I am convinced that this recent business partnership with KORAIL will surely be a win-win opportunity for both of us, and we (Asiana Airlines) will continue our efforts to provide even more diverse services and benefits for our fliers in the future,” said Asiana Airlines executive vice president Ryu Kwang-hee.

By Kim Joo-hyun (jhk@heraldcorp.com)