Korean Air Launches Premium Class Category

Korean Air has announced the launch of its new Premium Class, to be introduced on its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The new service will debut on select short- and mid-haul routes from mid-September.

The airline has invested approximately KRW 300 billion in the refurbishment of 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The upgrade brings the cabins in line with Korean Air’s latest aircraft interiors and modern onboard technology, part of a wider strategy to enhance passenger experience across all classes.

Positioned between Prestige (business) and Economy Class, Premium Class offers significantly more comfort than standard Economy, including larger seats, upgraded in-flight service, and access to priority ground services. Fares are expected to be around 10% higher than traditional Economy prices, depending on the route and travel date.

The Premium Class cabin features 40 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. With a seat pitch of 39 to 41 inches (approximately one metre) and a width of 19.5 inches, the seats offer 50% more space than Economy. They recline up to 130 degrees and include both leg and footrests, as well as ergonomically designed headrests with privacy wings for added comfort.

Each seat is equipped with a 15.6-inch 4K resolution screen – a size surpassing that of the current monitors in Prestige Class on the same aircraft – offering an upgraded in-flight entertainment experience.

On international flights, Premium Class passengers will receive a single-tray meal service featuring a main course, appetiser and dessert selected from the Prestige Class menu, all served on elegant Armani/Casa tableware. The beverage selection, including wines and speciality coffees, is also shared with Prestige Class.

Premium Class travellers will benefit from priority check-in at Morning Calm counters, expedited baggage handling, and Sky Priority boarding.

The Premium Class launch coincides with a full interior refurbishment of Korean Air’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet. The redesigned cabins feature the latest seating products: “Prestige Suites 2.0” in a 1-2-1 configuration for Prestige Class, and a refreshed “New Economy” in a 3-4-3 layout. Wi-Fi is now available across all classes, and in-flight entertainment systems have been substantially upgraded.

“This fleet upgrade has been in progress since 2018,” said a Korean Air representative. “After delays caused by the pandemic, we’re proud to offer a renewed travel experience that reflects our passengers’ evolving expectations.”