SEOUL- Korean Air (KE) has expanded its Airbus A321neo order, adding 20 more of these narrowbody aircraft to its existing order as part of its efforts to renew its fleet.
The airline has already received eight A321neos from its initial order of 30 and has been operating them on routes to Mainland China, Japan, and various destinations in Southeast Asia.
Korean Air Orders More A321neo
Korean Air welcomed its first A321neo in December 2022, marking its debut as the newest Airbus narrowbody operator in the region.
The airline’s A321neo fleet, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines, is configured to accommodate 182 passengers in two classes. Additionally, Korean Air introduced new cabin products for the A321neo, including lie-flat seats in the business class section.
With the recent order for 20 additional A321neo aircraft, Korean Air’s total order book now stands at 110 new planes, including Boeing 787-9s, 787-10s, and 737 Max 8 jets.
The delivery of the initial 30 A321neos is expected to continue through 2027, although specific delivery dates for the extra 20 aircraft were not disclosed. As part of its fleet renewal strategy, the airline intends to phase out its aging A330s and 777-200ERs.
Korean Air is also in the process of acquiring its fellow South Korean carrier, Asiana Airlines (OZ).
Service Resumption
Recently, Korean Air announced that it is set to recommence flight services to three cities in China and Japan after a hiatus of three years and seven months.
The airline’s decision to resume these routes is in line with its efforts to rebuild its extensive global network, particularly in regions where network recovery has been slower compared to others.
For the China routes, Korean Air will operate daily flights for Busan-Shanghai and Seoul Incheon-Xiamen, while Seoul Incheon-Kunming will see four flights per week. This move reflects the airline’s proactive approach to increasing its capacity for travel between China and South Korea, as there has been a notable increase in Chinese visitors.
This uptick in visitors follows China’s decision to allow group tours to 78 countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States, starting in August.
Starting in late October, Korean Air will also resume flights from Seoul Incheon to Kagoshima, Niigata, and Okayama in Japan, offering three weekly flights to each destination.
This resumption not only enhances schedule flexibility but also provides travelers with more choices for exploring the unique offerings of these smaller Japanese cities.
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