Korean Air places orders for 10 Boeing 747-8s and 787-9s

Korean Air stated an order for 10 Boeing 747-8s and 787-9s has been placed, in a bid to improve the in-flight product, reduce fuel costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions (Korean Times, 12-Jun-2014). The spokesperson said: "We will introduce a wide range of next-generation planes with high-operational efficiency, high-safety and high-convenience over the years". The spokesperson said the orders will provide the carrier with a competitive advantage as "we placed orders earlier than our competitors. With everyone seeking to buy new airplanes these days, it will take longer for our rivals to get the planes". The 747-8s, scheduled for delivery from 2015 through 2017 "have 50 more seats and can load 26% more cargo than a Boeing 747-400, because it is 5.6 metres longer". The spokesperson noted, the 747-8s can "fly up to 14,815 kilometres without refuelling, 1365 kilometres further than the earlier model [and] the plane emits 16% less carbon dioxide and generates 30% less noise". The spokesperson added, "We will also add a total of 10 Airbus 380 planes to our fleet by the end of this year. With these next-generation airplanes, Korean Air will be able to offer customers a more unique and comfortable experience than other airlines". Regarding freight aircraft, "We will introduce seven 747-8F and five 777F cargo planes by 2015 to boost our cargo transport capability".