Tag Archives: Korean Air

Korean Air to launch direct flights to Lisbon, Portugal, sells five Boeing 747-8 jets

Korean Air Boeing 747-8B5 HL7644 (msn 60411) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 963157.

Korean Air will launch scheduled charter flights to Lisbon, Portugal, from September 11 to October 25, 2024. 

The airline will operate three weekly flights between Seoul Incheon and Lisbon on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. These flights will make a total of 20 round trips during the two months, serviced by the airline’s Boeing 787-9 fleet.

The scheduled charter flights are the only nonstop flights between Northeast Asia and Lisbon. Previously, travelers had to transfer in neighboring countries such as France and Spain, or switch to land transport upon arrival in Europe. The new direct flights will streamline the journey, making trips to Lisbon and its adjacent cities more accessible.

[Flight schedule for Seoul Incheon – Lisbon route]

FlightFlight No.Flight DaysDeparture TimeArrival Time
Incheon – LisbonKE921Wed13:1020:10
Fri13:1020:25
Sun13:2020:30
Lisbon – IncheonKE922Wed22:1019:10(+1)
Fri22:2519:20(+1)
Sun21:5519:05(+1)

All times are local.

The company has also sold five Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental jets.

On the financial side, the airline reported the following:

  • Korean Air reported a first quarter revenue of KRW 3.8225 trillion (USD $2.8382 billion), an increase of 20% year-on-year, driven by the strong recovery in passenger traffic and robust cargo demand. Operating profit increased 5% year-on-year to KRW 436.1 billion (USD $323.8 million) despite higher fuel costs, airport and facility charges and labor-related costs.
  • Passenger business revenue increased 32% year-on-year to KRW 2.3421 trillion in the first quarter. The airline’s network capacity has almost recovered to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with the exception of China. Profitability improved through timely capacity expansion on Southeast Asia and Japan routes, catering to the strong tourism demand.
  • Cargo business revenue in the first quarter declined slightly year-on-year to KRW 996.6 billion as the global air cargo market continues to stabilize.
  • In Q2 2024, the airline’s passenger business will prioritize route profitability amidst the expansion of global capacity and intensified competition. The cargo business will capitalize on the growing e-commerce demand from China by strengthening client partnerships and allocating capacity on key routes.

Top Copyright Photo: Korean Air Boeing 747-8B5 HL7644 (msn 60411) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 963157.

Korean Air aircraft photo gallery:

Korean Air to sign contract with Airbus for six A350-900s amd 27 A350-1000s

Korean Air will sign a contract with Airbus for the procurement of 33 state-of-the-art A350 family aircraft. The deal, which includes 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s, is valued at USD $13.7 billion. 

The order will supplement the airline’s long-term fleet operations as it gradually retires its older aircraft. The procurement of the next-generation, eco-friendly A350 is not only aligned with the airlines’ sustainability efforts, but also is seen as preparation for the integration of Asiana Airlines. 

The A350-1000 is the largest in the A350 family, and can accommodate from 350 to 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration. The aircraft makes use of advanced composite materials, resulting in reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 25%, in comparison to similarly sized previous generation aircraft models. 

With the longest flight range among existing passenger aircraft, the A350-1000 can operate up to 16,000km with full payload. 

The A350-900 variant is about 7 meters shorter than the A350-1000 with a range of 15,370km and typically seats 300-350 passengers in a three class layout. The airline can deploy the aircraft on its long-haul routes such as Seoul Incheon-New York, where the airline currently operates two daily flights. 

In addition to the agreement to purchase 33 A350s, Korean Air plans to introduce 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s. The airline will continue to prioritize fleet modernization and reduction of carbon emissions through the operation of new aircraft and other sustainability activities.

Korean Air aircraft photo gallery: