Korean Air to Introduce Premium Economy Class Next Month
Korean Air Introduces Premium Class, Offering Enhanced Travel Experience
Korean Air has announced the launch of a new cabin tier, Premium Class, positioned between business and economy class. This new offering is part of a 300 billion won ($216 million) company-wide initiative that began in 2018, aiming to modernize Korean Air's aircraft and provide a value-rich alternative for passengers.
The Premium Class cabin includes 40 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 seat configuration, offering about 50% more space than standard economy seats. Each seat features ergonomic headrests, foot and leg rests, and wing-shaped sides to enhance privacy. In-flight entertainment includes 15.6-inch 4K resolution seatback screens, larger than those found even in Korean Air's Prestige Class (business class).
Premium Class passengers will enjoy elevated meal and beverage service similar to Prestige Class, with meals served in a single-tray format featuring appetizers, main courses, and desserts selected from the Prestige Class menu. Food is presented on elegant Armani/Casa tableware, maintaining high culinary standards crafted under Chef Seakyeong Kim.
Ground services for Premium Class passengers include priority check-in at designated Morning Calm counters, priority baggage handling, and Sky Priority boarding, improving the overall travel experience on the ground.
The project was initially put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will resume operations for the new Premium Class cabin on medium-haul routes in mid-September. The cabin upgrade is part of a fleet-wide cabin interior upgrade that also introduced the latest Prestige Suites 2.0 business class seats in a 1-2-1 layout and a new Economy cabin in a 3-4-3 layout. Wi-Fi connectivity is available fleet-wide.
In comparison, the Prestige Class (business class) offers fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, while the Economy Class offers narrower seats with limited recline. The new Premium Class offers a value-rich alternative at roughly 110% of an economy fare, delivering better space and amenities without the full business class cost.
The new Premium Class product will debut across 11 retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering passengers a significantly enhanced travel experience positioned between Economy and Business Class. Korean Air plans to continue offering tailored services to meet the evolving needs of their passengers.
References:
- Korean Air's Premium Economy Class: What You Need to Know
- Korean Air to Launch Premium Economy Class
- Korean Air's Premium Economy Class: A Closer Look
- Korean Air's Premium Economy Class: A New Cabin Tier
- Korean Air's Premium Economy Class: What to Expect
The new Premium Class introduced by Korean Air offers a value-rich lifestyle experience, blending comfort and luxury for passengers at roughly 110% of an economy fare. This enhanced travel experience, situated between Economy and Business Class, includes features like seat upgrades, more extensive in-flight entertainment, and elevated meal services, all inspired by Korean Air's Prestige Class.
