Cho Yang-ho, the late chairman, significantly advanced Hanjin Group, which was founded by Cho Joong-hoon. After returning from studying in the United States, he enlisted in the military, serving 36 months in the 7th Infantry Division, including duties in the Demilitarized Zone and deployment to Vietnam, and was discharged as a sergeant. Immediately after his discharge in 1974, he joined Korean Air as a maintenance staff member, receiving thorough management training from the ground up. He subsequently gained experience in various practical fields necessary for aviation operations, including planning, materials, information technology (IT), and sales.

Cho Yang-ho, who majored in engineering and business administration, is credited with adding the concept of 'system management' to the business framework drawn by his father, founder Cho Joong-hoon. He repeatedly emphasized that if a system is well established, operations will continue smoothly regardless of who is in charge. He established a system where people are rewarded for improving the system rather than being influenced by personal connections or interests. In 1989, he founded Hanjin Information Systems & Telecommunications to build the information network central to the logistics group and integrated operations, cabins, maintenance, and management organically based on IT infrastructure.

In particular, Cho Yang-ho devoted himself to making Korean Air a safe airline. He emphasized, "Accidents occur due to complacency," and advised, "Never be complacent or overconfident, and always approach tasks as if for the first time, adhering to principles and regulations." He implemented a quality assurance and safety incentive system for flight operations to compile manuals and encourage safe operations, referencing accumulated data and advanced global airlines.

Alongside safety, he also emphasized the importance of customer-centric service. He believed that only with the best service could an airline be rated the best. Even during the 1997 IMF financial crisis, when the aviation industry was on the brink of collapse, he overcame difficulties with a commitment to providing better service to passengers. During the launch of Jin Air, Hanjin Group's low-cost carrier (LCC) in 2008, he stressed, "Profits generated by reducing costs should be returned to passengers," emphasizing customer-centric service.

Amid repeated global economic crises, Cho Yang-ho sought opportunities to introduce next-generation aircraft. With detailed strategies, accurate judgment, and bold investments, he strived to transform Korean Air into a globally leading airline.

He particularly recognized that with the liberalization of the aviation market in the 1990s, mutual cooperation was the only way to survive. The global aviation industry was already being reorganized into alliances such as Star Alliance and Oneworld. Cho Yang-ho launched 'SkyTeam' with CEOs from Delta Air Lines, Air France, and Aeroméxico. By the end of 2024, SkyTeam had developed into an alliance of 18 airlines, serving over 1,000 cities in 160 countries worldwide. In 2018, a joint venture with Delta Air Lines was established to strengthen the Pacific routes.

Since 1996, he served as a member of the Executive Committee, the highest policy deliberation and decision-making body of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and from 2014, as a member of the Strategic Policy Committee. This held significant meaning as it reflected Korea's voice in important policy decisions in the global aviation industry. Cho Yang-ho's efforts culminated in hosting the 2019 IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul.

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