Korean Air Clarifies No Immediate Retirement Plans for A220-300 Fleet

Contrary to recent reports, Korean Air has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to retire any of its ten Airbus A220-300 aircraft. This clarification comes after a Bloomberg article cited unnamed sources suggesting the airline was considering phasing out the regional jets as part of a strategy to streamline its diverse fleet.

A spokesperson for Korean Air explicitly stated to ch-aviation that the airline currently has no intention to retire the A220-300s “at this stage.” The airline’s A220-300 fleet, which began arriving in December 2017 with the most recent delivery in March 2019, is relatively young, with the oldest aircraft being just over 6 years old.

The A220-300s serve a vital role in Korean Air’s operations, being deployed on a mix of domestic and regional routes. These include key connections such as Busan to Seoul Gimpo, Busan to Jeju, and international flights such as Seoul Incheon to Okinawa Naha and Seoul Incheon to Hong Kong International. The aircraft’s versatility and efficiency make it an important asset for the airline’s network strategy.

With a broad fleet that includes a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, Korean Air remains committed to maintaining a diverse fleet to meet its operational needs. The airline’s future fleet plans include significant orders for new aircraft, such as forty-one Airbus A321-200Ns, twenty-two Boeing B737-8s, twenty Boeing B787-10s, and additional B787-9s, highlighting its commitment to fleet modernization and expansion.

The recent speculation around the A220-300 fleet’s future underscores the dynamic nature of airline fleet planning, especially in response to evolving market demands and strategic priorities. However, Korean Air’s clarification reaffirms the A220-300’s place in its operations for the foreseeable future, ensuring the type continues to connect passengers across its domestic and regional network.