Alerts Sign-up
Korean Air to add premium economy on 11 Boeing 777s, plans lounge revamps at JFK, LAX
Mar 17, 2025
Fresh off a major revamp to its brand and inflight experience, Korean Air is planning to bring premium economy to its fleet for the first time — and sunset its first-class cabin on about a dozen long-haul jets in the process.
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.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the addition of six new destinations to its 2025 flight schedule.
Fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly significant in the aviation sector, affecting economic savings and environmental impacts.
The Pilatus PC-24, a light business jet from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aviation, is notable for its performance and versatility, combining capabilities often seen in larger aircraft.
Europe has a rich history in aviation, with several of its airports dating back to the early 20th century, a testament to their long-standing significance in global air travel.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are set to meet with Boeing executives this Wednesday to review the events that occurred during their previous mission aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.
Delta Air Lines is significantly expanding its use of widebody aircraft on domestic flights this summer, scheduling 12,470 round-trip services.
Alerts Sign-up
Alerts Sign-up
