Korean Air Debuts Premium Class on Refurbished Boeing 777-300ER Fleet, Elevating the In-Flight Experience
Korean Air is set to introduce a new Premium Class cabin on its fully retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, beginning in mid-September 2025. The upgraded aircraft will initially operate on short- and mid-haul international routes, with plans to gradually expand the service to additional markets. This move signals a major step forward in the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and product competitiveness across cabin classes.
As part of a broader cabin modernization initiative, Korean Air has invested approximately KRW 300 billion (about USD 220 million) to retrofit 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The upgrades are comprehensive, involving the complete redesign of all cabin classes to align with the airline’s newest widebody aircraft interiors and to incorporate the latest in onboard technology and passenger comfort.
Introducing Premium Class: A New Tier in Comfort and Service
The new Premium Class product fills the gap between Prestige Class (Korean Air’s business class offering) and Economy Class, providing travelers with an upgraded experience that includes more personal space, better in-flight amenities, and elevated service—all at a price point that remains accessible. Positioned as a premium economy product, it is aimed at passengers who desire enhanced comfort and service without the higher cost of business class travel.
In terms of pricing, Premium Class tickets will be approximately 10% more expensive than standard Economy Class fares, though this will vary based on destination and travel season. Korean Air aims to offer good value while ensuring a clear distinction in the onboard experience.
Cabin Layout and Seat Features: Designed for Space and Privacy
The Premium Class cabin features 40 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, optimizing both aisle access and passenger comfort. The seats offer around 50% more space than standard Economy Class seating, with seat pitch ranging from 39 to 41 inches (approximately one meter). This generous legroom exceeds what is typically offered in premium economy cabins by many global airlines, including several European and American carriers.
Seat width measures approximately 19.5 inches (about 50 cm), and the seats recline up to 130 degrees, allowing passengers to relax in a semi-reclined position during flight. For added comfort, each seat comes with adjustable leg and footrests, allowing for a customized seating posture.
The seats also feature ergonomically designed headrests with winged side panels, providing gentle head and neck support while also offering a greater sense of privacy. This thoughtful design makes the cabin feel more personal and relaxed, even when traveling in the center block of four seats.
Next-Generation Entertainment and Connectivity
Korean Air’s Premium Class will also offer a premium in-flight entertainment experience, featuring 15.6-inch ultra-high-definition 4K screens at every seat. These are actually larger and higher in resolution than the screens currently offered in the airline’s Prestige Class on the same aircraft.
Passengers will have access to a rich library of content, including the latest movies, TV shows, music, games, and more, all available on an intuitive touchscreen interface. The entertainment system is further enhanced with improved audio quality and USB and power outlets for device charging, allowing passengers to stay entertained or productive throughout their journey.
For those who want to stay connected, the retrofitted aircraft will offer Wi-Fi availability across all cabin classes, a welcome feature for business travelers and digital nomads alike.
Culinary Experience: Elegant Dining in the Sky
Onboard meal service in Premium Class will draw from Korean Air’s Prestige Class menu, offering a carefully curated selection of high-quality dishes served on Armani/Casa-branded tableware. Each meal includes a main course, appetizer, and dessert, plated together on a refined single-tray setup that balances efficiency with elegance.
Passengers will also enjoy an upscale beverage service, with access to a selection of wines, juices, soft drinks, and hot beverages—including the same coffee and tea varieties served in business class.
This upgrade in food and beverage service aligns with Korean Air’s strategy to elevate Premium Class far above traditional economy offerings, creating a more boutique, curated travel experience.
Ground Services: Priority Every Step of the Way
Premium Class travelers will benefit not only in the air but also on the ground. Korean Air will extend a range of priority services, including:
- Access to Morning Calm check-in counters, allowing for a faster and more personalized check-in experience
- Priority baggage handling, ensuring faster luggage delivery upon arrival
- Sky Priority boarding, offering early access to the aircraft and reduced boarding time
These additional perks help smooth the passenger journey from check-in to baggage claim, particularly for business travelers or those on tight schedules.
Fleet-Wide Cabin Overhaul: A New Era for the 777-300ER
The launch of Premium Class coincides with a broader, full-scale modernization of Korean Air’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet. All 11 aircraft undergoing refurbishment will now feature three refreshed cabin classes, each redesigned to reflect Korean Air’s most up-to-date standards.
- Prestige Class will now feature “Prestige Suites 2.0” — lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access. The new seats offer greater privacy and enhanced comfort, supporting both relaxation and work.
- Economy Class is being upgraded to a “New Economy” configuration in a 3-4-3 layout, with improved cushioning, increased seatback screens, and better overall ergonomics to enhance comfort on longer flights.
- All cabins will now include access to enhanced in-flight entertainment, modern lighting systems, and updated lavatories. The interiors themselves have been redesigned with modern materials, soft ambient lighting, and calming color palettes inspired by traditional Korean aesthetics.
A Long-Awaited Upgrade, Delayed but Not Diminished
The cabin upgrade program was originally slated to launch several years ago, but the airline faced delays due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with global air travel recovering steadily, Korean Air is resuming its modernization plans with renewed focus.
“This fleet upgrade has been in progress since 2018,” said a Korean Air spokesperson. “After delays caused by the pandemic, we’re proud to finally unveil a transformed onboard experience that reflects the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. With our redesigned Boeing 777-300ERs and the debut of Premium Class, we aim to bring a more comfortable, spacious, and refined travel option to more passengers.”
A Strategy for Differentiation
By introducing Premium Class, Korean Air joins a growing number of international carriers that have recognized the demand for a product that bridges the gap between economy and business class. As travel resumes in full swing, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, this strategic move will help Korean Air cater to a broader range of customer preferences, from leisure travelers looking for extra comfort to business passengers seeking value.
The rollout of Premium Class and the upgraded Boeing 777-300ER fleet demonstrates Korean Air’s commitment to product excellence, customer comfort, and competitive positioning in the global aviation market. As more of the retrofitted aircraft enter service, passengers can expect to experience a more modern, refined, and enjoyable journey—whether they’re flying across the region or halfway around the world.