Korean Air Extends A380, 747 Service Amid Aircraft Delivery Delays
Korean Air will extend the service life of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 747-8s as it faces delays in new aircraft deliveries. CEO Walter Cho confirmed that the airline is “short by about 20 aircraft per manufacturer,” forcing it to postpone fleet retirements.
Initially, the airline planned to retire its A380s by 2026 and its 747-8s in the early 2030s. However, these aircraft will now remain in operation until their replacements arrive. Korean Air also aims to phase out its older Boeing 777s.
The carrier currently operates seven A380s and six Boeing 747-8s, with an average fleet age of 11.3 and 8.7 years, respectively. Following its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, Korean Air now has access to Asiana’s six additional A380s, which average 10 years in age.
Both airlines are awaiting a significant influx of new aircraft. Korean Air is set to receive 41 Airbus A321-200NXs, four A350-900s, 27 A350-1000s, 19 Boeing 737-8s, 14 Boeing 737-10s, and six Boeing 787-9s. Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines expects deliveries of 12 A321-200NXs and 15 A350-900s.
As supply chain disruptions continue to affect aircraft manufacturers, Korean Air’s decision to extend its widebody fleet underscores the industry-wide challenge of securing new aircraft on schedule.
Related News: https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com