Korean Air received its first Boeing 737 MAX at Incheon Airport on February 13.
The airline plans to start commercial flights with the new aircraft on March 1.
Korean Air expects to receive a total of six aircraft this year out of an order for 30 737-8s.
The new 737-8 has a total of 146 seats, including 8 in Prestige class and 138 in economy class.
The cabin is equipped with the Boeing Sky Interior, which offers passengers a roomy and comfortable space with its streamlined ceiling and overhead bins. The LED lighting system allows for lighting to be adjusted to match phases of the flight for better ambience.
Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing:
“The 737-8 will enable Korean Air’s continued growth through improved efficiency and operational cost performance. This milestone delivery will further enhance Korean Air’s domestic and regional capabilities and we are dedicated to supporting the airline as they integrate these new airplanes into their world-class fleet.”
The 737-8 is a next-gen, eco-friendly aircraft with superior efficiency, reliability and operational capabilities. Powered by the latest CFM International LEAP-1B high-tech engines, the fleet also features the split-scimitar winglets that reduce aerodynamic drag and decrease necessary fuel amounts by 1.8%. These new advanced technology winglets are manufactured by Korean Air’s Aerospace Division and supplied to Boeing.
The aircraft can operate on 15% less fuel compared to similar aircraft, lowering per-seat operating costs by 12%. Carbon emissions will also be reduced by 13% compared to the Boeing 737 Next Generation.
N.B. Image credit: Korean Air
