Korean Air Introducing Upgraded Cabin Facilities
By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter
Korean Air is installing next-generation premium seats with video systems in all of its mid- and long-haul passenger aircraft.
The replacements will be in 32 B777s and A330s, which have recently been furnished with Kosmo Suites (First Class), Prestige Sleeper (Prestige Class) and New Economy (Economy Class) seats. The improvements will be made from Sept. 1 to April 2011.
``The $200 million project involves the replacement of 9,719 seats per year by 28,800 technicians. In addition, seats in all classes will be fitted with the latest AVOD (Audio Video On Demand) systems,'' a publicity official with the airline said Thursday.
This is the second phase of the airline's extensive refurbishment plan for its fleet, which include nine B777-200s, four B777-300s, three A330-200s and 16 A330-300s, all of which have been in service for more than six years.
The recently launched next-generation premium seats, Kosmo Suites and Prestige Sleeper will be installed on long-haul B777-200 aircvraft.
Mid-haul planes such as B777-300s, A330-200s and A330-300s will be upgraded with 180-degree lie-flat Sleeper and 170-degree comfortable Prestige Plus seats.
An enhanced state-of-the-art AVOD system, offering a 16:9 wide screen, over 60 movies, 40 short features, 300 CDs, 40 games and 15 audio books, will deliver a richer entertainment experience to passengers in all classes, the airline said.
Upon the completion of the second phase of the refurbishment plan in April 2011, the Korea Air will have a fleet of 70 aircraft (38 brand new) equipped with state-of-the-art facilities serving its mid- and long-haul routes.
Korean Air is aiming to become a leading global carrier with 96 aircraft equipped with new high-end facilities by 2014
The airline celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.