Korean Air adding premium economy amid fleet upgrades

South Korea's flag carrier is also plotting a major upgrade for its two U.S. lounges.

Monday's announcement marks the latest in a series of changes at the Seoul-based airline, which recently got the green light for its acquisition of fellow South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines and last week unveiled a new logo, livery and comprehensive update to its onboard service.

Adding premium economy

Later this year, Korean will begin updating nearly a dozen of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with its first premium economy accommodations.

As part of the cabin overhauls, Korean's 777s will lose their first-class cabin in favor of the mid-tier seats.

Once complete, 11 of Korean's 777s will sport a new three-cabin configuration featuring its Prestige business class, the inaugural premium economy cabin, and coach.

Following an industry trend

A move "in response to growing market demand," Korean is largely following in the footsteps of other global airlines.

While some airlines, like Lufthansa and Japan Airlines have added new and swanky first-class accommodations, a wider range of carriers have ditched their most spacious seats in favor of slightly less luxurious — but still impressive – business class suites and pods, complemented by premium economy recliners in the middle of the plane.

Look no further than American Airlines' plans to sunset its Flagship First cabins in 2025 in favor of a higher total number of Flagship Business suites — that is, whenever production finally finishes.

Korean itself debuted an all-new "2.0" version of its Prestige business class last year, featuring the privacy doors that have become a coveted premium-cabin amenity among airlines.

More broadly, premium economy has become a critical part of many airlines' long-haul service over the past decade as a way to cater to travelers who don't want to pay top dollar (or a sizable chunk of miles) for upscale, lie-flat seats but want added comfort and improved dining.

The Asian market alone recently saw EVA Air, based in Taiwan, announce a total reboot for its premium economy — a cabin it once pioneered in late last century.

Retrofits for 11 Boeing 777s

Back to Korean: Its first retrofitted 777 sporting premium economy is expected to enter service during the second half of 2025, the airline said Monday. Retrofits on ten additional 777s — the carrier has about three dozen total — are expected to unfold over "the next year and half or so," with cabin refits running through 2026.

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