국내 항공운송업 감가상각에 대한 사례연구

This study conducts a case analysis of depreciation practices among airline companies in South Korea. The purpose of this research is to examine the accounting standards applied to depreciation expenses-one of the largest cost components for airline companies after aircraft fuel and other operating costs-through real-world corporate examples, and to propose practical guidelines for their management. More specifically, the study compares and analyzes the methods used to depreciate property, plant, and equipment (PPE) by seven domestic airline companies, identifying key differences in their approaches. Additionally, these practices are compared with those adopted by U.S.-based airlines, and four recommendations for improvement are proposed in the conclusion. This study focuses on the estimated useful lives and depreciation methods of property, plant, and equipment (PPE) disclosed in the business reports of seven domestic airline companies: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Eastar Jet, T'way Air, and Air Busan. While most of these companies employ the straight-line method for depreciating assets such as aircraft and engines, their estimated useful lives for similar asset categories vary significantly. Although such differences may stem from the distinct operational strategies between long-haul and short-haul carriers, the variation in estimated useful lives can lead to substantial differences in asset valuation, which warrants attention from an accounting perspective. Accordingly, this study suggests adopting a more conservative approach to depreciation by referencing the useful lives outlined by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a potential guideline. Given that aircraft, as the primary operational asset in the airline industry, account for a substantially larger proportion of total assets compared to land transportation industries, the accurate valuation of these assets through appropriate depreciation is essential. In this context, examining the depreciation practices of domestic airline companies contributes meaningfully not only to improving the reliability of financial reporting for accountants, financial managers, and auditors in the industry, but also holds academic significance as one of the first empirical studies on this subject in Korea.