Korean Air increases A321neo-order
December 18, 2024
Korean Air received the first of its initial 30 aircraft order for the A321neo on 30 November 2022, subsequently ordering 20 more examples of the type in October 2023, before the most recent order for six aircraft.
The Korean Air A321neo aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G GTF engines which are claimed to bring a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions per seat compared with previous generation competing aircraft. This will allow Korean Air to benefit from reduced operating costs and enhanced efficiency while delivering on the airline’s sustainability objectives. The aircraft have a high comfort, two-class, 182 seat cabin layout, with eight full-flat seats in Business Class and 174 seats in Economy.
Korean Air has become the first airline in Asia to take delivery of an A321neo with the complete Airspace cabin, which Airbus claims brings premium widebody features to the single aisle market. The new cabin features new lighting and ambiance systems, with larger overhead bins and full connectivity throughout, giving passengers the highest levels of in-flight comfort. The Airspace cabin also offers hygienic space and antimicrobial surfaces in all lavatories.
The tenth Korean Air A321neo (A321-272NX, HL8557, MSN 11497) was the first A321neo received by the airline directly from Toulouse, previous aircraft having been delivered from Hamburg. The aircraft, which made its ferry flight from Toulouse to Seoul on 23 April 2024, was also Korean Air’s 100th Airbus Aircraft, following 99 examples of the A300, A330, A380, A220, and A321. Korean Air was the first non-European airline to purchase aircraft from Airbus, ordering six A300B4s in 1974.
When the merger with subsidiary Asiana Airlines is complete, Korean Air will have 26 A321s in service, and a total of 70 delivered or on order.
