Korean Air launches premium economy

orean Air will begin flying all-new premium economy recliners towards the end of this year, with the seats already being fitted to the airline’s Boeing 777 workhorses. “We will have about 20-25 (premium economy) seats per aircraft, servicing all the long-haul routes,” Korean Air Chairman and CEO Walter Cho told Executive Traveller at the airline’s unveiling of new livery and corporate branding. Eleven of the 25-strong 777-300ER fleet will go under the knife, losing first class in the process – the pointy end of the place will be occupied by an expanded business class cabin featuring the latest Prestige Suites 2.0. “The (first) 777-300ER is being retrofitted as we speak,” Cho confirmed. “Those aircraft and the A350s and Boeing 777-9 will all be fitted with premium economy.” The 20-strong 777-9 deliveries are due to begin in 2028 and will also showcase new private first class suites. Korean Air Executive Vice President David Pacey qualified the SkyTeam member’s reborne 777s timeline, saying “I think not this spring (or) summer, I think fall/winter schedule. I know it’s getting ready to be implemented very soon.”<br/>