Korean Air Set To Launch 777-300ER Retrofit Program

SEOUL—Korean Air will commence the retrofit of 11 Boeing 777-300ER in mid-2025, which will see the introduction of new premium economy seats into the aircraft.

Space for the seats will be made by removing the first-class cabins on the 11 aircraft, resulting in a three-class business, premium economy and economy configuration.

The revamp is all part of the introduction of a new corporate identity and livery which aims to enhance the flag carrier’s product and service level in a competitive landscape.

Jason Yoo, Korean Air chief operating officer, says the retrofits will take around a year. While he did not provide a full breakdown of the configuration, a significant number of premium economy seats will be installed.

Collins Aerospace is the supplier of the business-class product while Safran Seats will manufacture the premium economy and economy seats.

“The marketing team sees a good demand for premium economy. We noticed that premium seats are filled up first before economy, and if that flow applies, we will see premium economy seats to be filled up as well,” Yoo says.

“This is the first time we are introducing premium economy, so we are experimenting as well,” he adds. The product will be introduced in the 777-9 and new Airbus A350s in the coming years.

The Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database shows Korean Air has 25 777-300ERs in its fleet, as well as four older 777-300s.

Korean Air is also in the process of developing a new first-class product which will be rolled out on the A350.

David Pacey, Korean Air’s head of inflight services, says that the passenger experience has to be elevated to make it a key differential factor in making the airline stand out in the market, especially as passenger throughput at Seoul Incheon Airport increases to 100 million passengers.

Pacey adds that the terminal experience is also a focus, saying that there is an “arms race” in lounge design. Korean Air is in the process of revamping its lounges at Incheon, JFK and LAX.