Korean Air is set to reinstate the Boeing 747-8i to its flight schedule on the renowned SkyTeam route from Seoul Incheon to Atlanta beginning April 25. The last time the giant aircraft served this route was on March 29, replaced since then by the lower-capacity and more luxury-focused 777-300ER. Although initially, the 747-8i was not scheduled for summer operations, the current timetable now permits flights to be booked.
Seoul-Atlanta is recognized as the world’s longest nonstop scheduled 747 passenger service by distance. However, the avoidance of Russian airspace has impacted some routes’ standings. Despite this, Korean Air’s service will surpass Lufthansa’s Frankfurt to Buenos Aires flight for the top position. Presently, Air China’s flight between Beijing Capital and Washington Dulles holds the longest 747-operated flight by block time.
Korean Air regularly adjusts its fleet usage of the 747 and A380 aircraft, causing frequent changes in its schedule. As of April 23, the airline plans to operate the 747-8i twice weekly to Atlanta, with frequency increasing to daily in early May. This schedule is projected to continue until August 31, although further changes may occur.
The 747-8i offers 368 seats, presenting more capacity than the 777-300ER’s 277 seats that have been used to Atlanta. This change results in a small reduction of first-class seats, but an increase in Prestige and economy class seats, raising the economy capacity from 82% to 85%.
Delta Air Lines, a partner in Korean Air’s trans-Pacific joint venture, is the largest SkyTeam airline globally. They maintain a strong presence in Atlanta, which is reflected in Korean Air’s decision to operate its own aircraft between Seoul and Atlanta. Together, Delta and Korean Air provide a triple-daily service on this route.
Korean Air will also return the 747-8i to London Heathrow, running the aircraft from July 25 to October 24. This route will operate thrice weekly, reduced from last year’s daily service, and represents the only scheduled 747 passenger service in the UK since British Airways retired its 747-400 fleet in April 2020.
