October 2015 29 Customer Profile When Korean Air set out to modernize its global fleet, it turned to an airplane it knows well—Boeing’s 747. The country’s flag carrier had operated every model in the 747 family, starting with a 747-100 Freighter that joined the fleet in 1972. In 2012 the airline received its first 747-8 Freighter, followed by five more over the next few years. Now Korean Air has the distinction of being the first airline to operate both the freighter and passenger versions of the newest “Queen of the Skies.” The airline took delivery of its first 747-8 Intercontinental in August and quickly put it to work, serving routes from Seoul to Frankfurt and Singapore. By November, as its fleet of Intercontinentals grows, the airline expects to use the new airplanes to serve San Francisco and Hong Kong routes. Walter Cho, the airline’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, flew to Everett, Wash., for the delivery of its first 747-8 Intercontinental. He said the airplane is a key part of the airline’s fleet modernization strategy, which aims to enhance the airline’s environmental efficiency, premium image and passenger comfort. “This new aircraft delivers better fuel economy,” Cho said. “That is important to a global airline such as ours. And it supports our goal to build and operate a first-class fleet of world-class aircraft.” Based in Seoul, Korean Air serves 128 cities in 45 countries and operates a fleet of 164 airplanes, of which 117 are from Boeing. Throughout its 40-year partnership with Boeing, the airline has owned and operated nearly every Boeing commercial airplane model. Many more new airplanes—both single- and twin-aisle—will join the fleet by the time Korea enters the spotlight as host of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. Through its Aerospace Division, Korean Air also has become an important supplier, noted Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Northeast Asia Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our partnership runs deeper than buying and selling airplanes,” Mounir said. Korean Air is the sole supplier of the distinctive raked wingtip on the 787 Dreamliner and 747-8, he noted, and one of the suppliers for the 737 MAX’s new Advanced Technology Winglet. As one of the founding partner airlines of the Skyteam Alliance, Korean Air operates one of the world’s largest air cargo operations; it’s the largest cargo carrier between North America and Asia. The airline employs an all-Boeing fleet of 28 freighters including 747-400Fs, 747-8Fs and 777Fs. In June the airline announced a commitment for up to 50 737 MAX 8 airplanes, including options. The announcement at the Paris Air Show included an identical commitment for the Airbus A321neo, plus an order for two Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The airline now has nearly 70 Boeing orders, commitments and options in the pipeline including firm orders for 10 787-9 Dreamliners. The Intercontinental that delivered in August was one of 10 on order. “We look forward to playing an integral role in Korean Air’s long-term success,” Mounir said, “as we continue to introduce new Boeing airplanes into their world-class fleet.” n kevin.k.yoo@boeing.com To learn more about Boeing in Korea, see Page 38. Photo: The first 747-8 Intercontinental for Korean Air awaits delivery at the Everett Delivery Center in Washington. Coll een Pf eilschiefter | Boeing Keeping with tradition Korean Air has a long history with Boeing and its jetliners, especially the 747 by Kevin Yoo
Frontiers October 2015 Issue
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