Korean Air signs on for more fuel efficient Boeing 747s

Korean Air last week confirmed that it had placed an order with Boeing for five brand new Boeing 747-800 long-haul aircraft in a new order worth some US$1.5 billion.

Korean Air intends to fly the more fuel efficient B747-800 on long-haul routes to the Americas and Europe as it offers a range of up to 8,000 nautical miles.

"The 747-8 Intercontinental fills the void between the 300- and 550-seat airplanes in our future fleet," said Won Tae Cho, Korean Air Passenger Managing Vice President.

"The technological enhancements Boeing has made to this airplane will deliver exceptional economics and a flying experience that will thrill our customers, enabling Korean Air to provide Excellence in Flight to our customers."

With this order, Korean Air becomes the second customer of this variant, with Lufthansa to be the launch customer.