Korean Air executive apologises after nuts incident sparks national outrage

Daughter of Korean Air chairman says she will apologise to cabin crew chief

Cho Hyun-ah, also known as Heather Cho, daughter of Korean Air  chairman Cho Yang-ho, outside the offices of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board in Seoul yesterday. Photograph: Reuters/Song Eun-seok
Cho Hyun-ah, also known as Heather Cho, daughter of Korean Air chairman Cho Yang-ho, outside the offices of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board in Seoul yesterday. Photograph: Reuters/Song Eun-seok

A former Korean Air Lines executive who delayed a flight because she was unhappy with being served macadamia nuts in a bag rather than on a dish apologised on Friday over the incident, which fuelled outrage and ridicule in South Korea.

Heather Cho, the daughter of the airline's chairman, and head of in-flight service, also said she would apologise to the cabin crew chief, who had been ordered to disembark, delaying the flight. "I will apologise sincerely . . . in person," Ms Cho said.

Public outrage grew, and local sales of macadamia nuts reportedly surged, in the days following news of the incident. The airline’s chairman, Cho Yang-ho, said his daughter was being removed from all posts at affiliate companies. “I am sorry I did not educate her well,” he said. – (Reuters)