Korean Air has announced plans to introduce premium economy seats to meet “growing market demand” for the product.
The airline, which unveiled a new livery and logo last week following its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, said it would retrofit its new premium economy seats on 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft by removing existing first-class cabins.
Korean Air said the first aircraft with premium economy will enter service in the second half of 2025 with three seating classes: Prestige (business class), premium economy and economy.
“Fleet modifications will continue through 2026 to expand premium economy availability across more routes,” added the carrier in a statement.
Korean Air also said it would expand and renovate its existing lounges at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 2. The carrier plans to add two "Prestige Class Garden" lounges in each of the east and west wings.
“These enhancements will accommodate increased passenger traffic following the airport expansion and the relocation of Asiana Airlines into Terminal 2,” added Korean Air.
The carrier's existing Prestige Class lounge in the east wing will double in size, while the Miler Club lounge will also be expanded. These four lounges will open in phases from August 2025.
In addition, Korean Air will renovate its First Class and Prestige Class lounges in the west wing, which will reopen in April 2026. Once all upgrades are complete, the carrier will operate six lounges at Incheon.
Korean Air will also redesign its lounges at New York's JFK International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport in the US.