New Premium Economy Cabin Debuts on Upgraded Boeing 777-300ERs
Korean Air is preparing to offer a premium economy product called “Premium Class” as it tries to enhance its on board experience, launching next month on the newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER. This is the South Korean flag carrier’s first foray into premium economy, and is initially being offered on some select short and medium-haul flights out of Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN).
This new product is part of Korean Air’s ongoing groundwork modernization along with a new branding and livery announced earlier this year. To offer customers additional comfort and improved inflight entertainment and meal service, Korean Air is looking to provide a more affordable, and potentially luxurious option for customers when flying westbound out of South Korea.
Significant Fleet Investment
As part of the rollout, 11 Boeing 777-300ERs from Korean Air’s fleet of 25 will undergo comprehensive retrofitting. The airline is investing approximately KRW 300 billion ($216 million) to bring these widebody aircraft in line with its latest cabin design and onboard technology standards.
The Premium Class cabin will contain 40 seats, configured in a 2-4-2 arrangement over five rows. Offering a seat pitch of between 39 and 41 inches, seat width of 19.5 and recline of 130 degrees, passengers will have a much more comfortable experience—about 50% extra space as labeled by the airline—than travelling in economy.
Features & Passenger Experience
The Premium Class seat has a leg and footrest, ergonomic winged headrest and a large 15.6 inch 4k personal entertainment screen. Passengers will not have lounge access, but will benefit from priority checkin, priority baggage handling and priority boarding, so their airport experience should be a smooth one.
Ticket prices for the new cabin are expected to be around 110% of standard economy fares, making it an attractive upgrade for value-conscious premium travelers.
Premium Dining Onboard
In a move to further differentiate the offering, Korean Air’s Premium Class will offer a curated dining experience inspired by its Prestige Business Class. On international routes, passengers will be served a single-tray meal service consisting of an appetizer, main course, and dessert—all presented on Armani/Casa tableware, adding a touch of luxury to the in-flight experience.
Wider Cabin Overhaul Underway
Premium Class is just one part of a sweeping refurbishment program. Korean Air is also introducing a next-generation ‘Prestige Suites 2.0’ in business class, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers. The refreshed economy class cabin—dubbed ‘New Economy’—will adopt a 3-4-3 configuration, with WiFi connectivity introduced across the aircraft.
Launch Timeline
The revamped 777-300ERs featuring Premium Class are scheduled to enter service by mid-September 2025, starting with select regional routes. A broader rollout across the airline’s international network is expected in subsequent months, depending on fleet readiness and demand.
#koreanair#PremiumEconomyLaunch#NextGenCabin#AirlineExperience#AviationNews
#printpublication#modernaviationindia#modernaviationtimes