From The Tiny Airbus A220 To The Gigantic Airbus A380: The Korean Air Fleet In 2022

Like many of the major legacy carriers we’ve covered in our fleet series, Korean Air’s collection of aircraft is incredibly diverse. Indeed, the carrier's aircraft go from the tiny Airbus A220-300 up to the mighty Airbus A380 superjumbo. But it’s not just Airbus jets being flown by Korean air as the airline also operates both narrowbody and widebody jets from Boeing - including the iconic 747. So today, let’s take a closer look at the 150-plus aircraft that comprise the Korean Air fleet.
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[@magnustan841]

My family has flirted with the idea of travelling to Seoul and Jeju this December. Researching what aircraft I could fly on, I fell in love with the Korean Air fleet and was really excited about the potential trip. Only 50-odd 737-900s were made and KE is the only Asian operator of the A220, both could be a big tick off the list for me. To have the 747-8i and A380 share the same livery as a 777-300ER, 737-900, A330-200 and A220, is unique. Japan is my alternative, if independent tourism is possible, come the year end. If so, I’m hoping to fly KE, so we can get an A380 into Tokyo!

[@butteriest1634]

Interesting

[@fliegz]

Best paragraph ever

[@tomdavis3038]

You mean if the wonderful governments allow travel?

[@Euroduplex]

@@tomdavis3038 They do LOL

[@hitthefloorlpu2003]

My favorite Korean Air plane is the 747-8i

[@ChrisGugliuzza]

Um..Asiana's A380s are not all stored. They're currently flying to BKK and LAX

[@youcantata]

The Seoul to Jeju Is. flight (GMP - CJU, 450 km) is THE busiest air route in the world. 14 million passengers and 80,000 flights a year.

[@bossfight6125]

KAL indeed has a really diverse fleet of both Boeing and Airbus

[@jhy2kmoney]

We flew to Seoul on A-380 a few years ago from LAX and it was fantastic.

[@animefreak963]

love your videos keep up the good work!!!

[@djjamar]

Great video thank you. Have always been a fan of Korean planes blue color.

[@Lily-D1215]

i mean.. the notion that korean air will choose the 777X over the A350 in order to avoid introducing a new aircraft type seems a bit odd to me, considering that their merger with asiana will lead to them having (as of now) 13 A350s + 17 on order.. just ordering some more seems like a logical move to me.

[@leekyo1502]

4:51 rhythmy one

[@Collins_Famliy_Videos]

A Like The Boeing 747 And The A380 Because They Are Big Aircraft.

[@The10diamond]

Asiana had recently resumed A380 service to LAX last week(Wednesday)

[@andreadevetak4325]

Thank you,Long Haul By Simple Flying!

[@visax8550]

I’m flying on Korean Air’s 747-8 next week!

[@samypons3185]

very interesting !

[@filledwithvariousknowledge2747]

They are the only airline of the 3 operators with a planned retirement for 747-8I. Lufthansa and Air China have no plans yet

[@nurrizadjatmiko21]

In the Korean Air Fleet, i think my favorite is the A380, A330-200, and 777 non ER

[@lubsisaco]

6:45 Please what is the name of that background music

[@nw6gmp]

OZ a380s are not ALL stored, they are is using it on the ICN-LAX route now 🤦‍♂️

[@ChrisGugliuzza]

also to BKK

[@RealSaulGoodman78]

Ii miss the MD-11s they had

[@andreadevetak4325]

Yes it's totally diverse!

[@gillyA320]

Just one point on the B777X/A350 debate - yes, they already operate B777s, but the pilots would need a bit of training on the new B777X as it is a new flight deck compared to that on current 777s, although it is very similar to the 787 which could lead to a dual rating on the B777X and B787. The A350, however, shares a common flight deck with the A380, which is an aircraft that they already operate, but still requires some slight training on the pilots side (only about a week of training or so), meaning the potential of a dual type rating is there (should they get the A350 within the next 5 years). So regarding those two choices, I think it will be a debate on fuel economics and passenger comfort rather than pilot training requirement/adding a type to the fleet (as it is, but isn't at the same time).

[@eamonahern7495]

Very interesting observations.

[@TheDoubleace191]

One big factor KE is reluctant to order A350 is related to Rolls Royce and it's policy regarding engine maintance. RR is mandating their product engines to be maintained at their designated facilities. But Korean Air has its own engine maintanance facility and considering this, operating RR engined aircraft is simply wasting money and time. That's why we don't see Korean Air's A350 order but do see A321NEO order, which uses alternative engines. This might change if KE manages to get RR engine maintanace rights on their facilities but I don't know...

[@magnustan841]

But it’s going to take on Asiana’s A350s when the merger is complete, so I think the A350-1000 is still in with a chance. But we’re talking about replacing the biggest passengers jets in service, so the 777X would be more likely.

[@TheDoubleace191]

@@magnustan841 If KE's negotiation with RR fails, then it might be forced to retire all the former Asiana's A350s. We'll have to see...

[@steinwaldmadchen]

@@TheDoubleace191 I'd have to say, before the merger Boeing should be shame of themselves if they can't win Korean with 777X. Post merger however there are some realistic chances Boeing could actually lose, depending on what actually was inked between Asiana and Airbus regarding A350. Korean just don't have much options to escape obligations given they have done the midsize widebody and narrowbody part. And to be fair, A350 in today's shape is not a bad fit for Korean - a reasonably capable freighter, a lightweight airliner with respectable payload-range and capacity, while being ~10% cheaper than 777X to operate and save transition costs for their A330 crews. Without A350F and 10-abreast I just can't imagine how A350 works for them.

[@Blank00]

I'm hoping that KAL will go with the Bowing 777x (passenger and freighter). Let JAL and China give the A350 some backlog

[@mathieugunnpapatie7408]

BEAUTIFUL FLEET KOREAN AIR

[@dennis12dec]

Korean Air and Asiana A380s are sent to Lufthansa Technik Philippines in Manila for Maintenance Repair and Overhauling of this massive aircraft along with A380s of other airlines around the world.

[@stuartlee6622]

My favorite KAL plane is the 747-8i .

[@malvinjnrn7784]

Would love to see the asiana a350s in Korean livery

[@micah6811]

747-8i the BEST!

[@andreadevetak4325]

An A350!

[@conorforeman8589]

You should definitely look at Air New Zealand fleet, lots of changes and additions to their fleet.

[@thomasgrabkowski8283]

Air NZ is opposite to Korean Air in which they plan to narrow down to only 2 types of aircraft-Boeing 787(9 and 10) for long haul and Airbus A320/21 neo for short haul

[@Blank00]

Now that HL7465 is no longer Korea's AF1, hopefully people can get to tour tge inside of that plane. Maybe that plane could go to a museum?

[@user-vv6hz1mx1b]

Nah,hl7463 is already preserved and they are still operating 747-8i. It will probably go to scrapyard i guess

[@mayakeyrouz5515]

alr korean airline is a very goood airline but I would prefer being environmental friendly,like retring the b737-900er-900-800 and sticking with the max and adding some a321neo xlr and a220 while for widebody I would prefer having b787-9,b787-10, a350-1000 to retire the a380 and the 747 and for the a330s they already have 787s but I would also prefer adding 3 to 4 a330-900neo what do u think on this???

[@MarxBoi18]

Its shit.

[@vilmaramos2348]

What come is the air bus a380 Is very comfortable. Even on economy class You're quiet and very beautiful I just love it and when It joins asiana airlines And start using the airbusa380 They have does even much better It'll be great I also like the korean air a330 and the 777 300 er Both planes are wonderful i just love it

[@cabottaxi]

Too many aircraft variants. Must be a nightmare for the maintenance department. Another problem would arise if aircraft goes tech and similar not available.

[@InTeCredo]

Nah, that didn't stop many airlines from having larger mixes of different airplanes, including American Airlines.

[@EvanAviator]

@@InTeCredo American Airlines has quite a uniform fleet, actually. Delta and United on the other hand…

[@steinwaldmadchen]

@@InTeCredo Korean Air has fewer narrowbody combined than United's A321NEO alone. It's just too crowded for a 3-type mixed fleet. And what's the point having both 748i and 380 when you could fill neither anyway? See, even if Cathay can easily fill multiple 380s, they opted for 77W instead. The versaility, economy and cargo hold is just different level.

[@stradivarioushardhiantz5179]

The only operated A380 & 747-8i 🛫😍

[@abdirisaq03]

lufthansa as well, but right now their a380s aren't active till next year where they will return.

[@SojuPast3810]

Their A220 seats aren’t great even for short domestic flights.

[@kishorbd8002]

Saw their efficiency first hand at JFK. Tremendous hard working people. Hats off.

[@SouthJerseyTransitFan]

My favorite Korean Air plane is the 777. But they should go with the 777x because they already have the 777 so if they buy the 777x the pilots will know how to fly it scene it basically the 787 cockpit in a 777. Korean Air should turn to Boeing

[@kathy8770]

the 777X still has a different cockpit, so the pilots still need training.

[@Blank00]

@@kathy8770 but it’s very similar to the 787, which they already have

[@user-hg4ql2cq5z]

Korean air is asking airbus for developments of the A220-500 for higher capacity domestic flights. And replace old 737s

[@aandwdabest]

I Hope thé merger between Asiana and Korean Air does not go through. Having two full carriers is always good for competition compare to one, though I understand why they do so (COVID, war in Ukraine, and the volatile commodity price that is oil).

[@MasterofBlitz]

I know this is a late comment, but it is actually the B777-200ER that Korean Air owns. Not the B777-200.

[@IexploreAll]

747-8i

[@gilangbayurakasiwi99]

Korean Air remains the only Asian carrier to own the iconic 747s, hmmm interesting, what if they return to the leisure destinations.

[@steinwaldmadchen]

Air China has 748i as well.

[@carsten2293]

Well bus Asiana has A350s so it won't be completely new...

[@nicholasps28]

harusnya punya a350 sih

[@jorgemoll5994]

A 380

[@oneofthemdeals]

I hope buying out Asiana won't bankrupt KAL.

[@steinwaldmadchen]

This one is backed by gov't owned Korea Development Bank, so it will be proceeded anyway as long as they got approval from authorities over the world.

[@Sjfbsj]

@@steinwaldmadchen I’m sure that the approval will happen any time soon, as Asiana Airlines is nearly facing bankruptcy, and the company will literally collapse if the merge doesn’t happen, which will create a massive amount of unemployments in Korea. The only way is to merge with Korean Air.

[@steinwaldmadchen]

@@Sjfbsj It's not just Korean antitrust authorities, which will pass almost for sure. After all is the government bank who funded this merge. They are also at the mercy of US, Japan, China, EU, or whatever major markets that Korean and Asiana fly. They have no interest in foreign carriers' wellbeing, only their own citizens and businesses. EU have historically taken a "pro consumer" stance, and already rejected Air Canada / Air Transat and even IAG / Air Europa merger. They voiced their concerns on this one as well. Meanwhile China would definitely weaponise the decision, and poor Japan-Korea relation is not helping either.

[@mathieugunnpapatie7408]

BELLE FLEET KOREAN AIR

[@bennramnarine3395]

Korean Air should transition to an all Airbus fleet and should continue use its younger A380s from ASIANA while phasing out the older A 380 and B 747 aircraft. It should consider converting the A380s to Freighters. The challenges Boeing is experiencing with the new 777s, 787s and even Max 10 may not work in Korean Air interest.

[@InTeCredo]

A380 could NEVER be freighter, period! Airbus has admitted that passenger A380 wasn't designed for the freighter duty due to the less than optimal load bearing on the upper deck. Korean Air isn't planning to phase out 10 of 747-8i anytime soon since the last passenger 747-8i was built and delivered in 2017. It usually takes 10 to 15 years to amortise the purchase cost so Korean Air would probably keep flying them until 2030 the latest.

[@TheDoubleace191]

@@InTeCredo Make the current 747-8i number to 9 as one, the(former) HL7643 is modified as the latest Code One, the ROK presidential/government aircraft.

[@kathy8770]

@@InTeCredo they are planning to phase out the 747-8I from the passenger fleet, they planned to phase them out in 10 years.

[@steinwaldmadchen]

787 is just the better fit. With almost 10t higher payload and more range than A330NEO it's day and night for a cargo-heavy carrier like Korean. They already ruled against MAX10 with 321NEOs, so the real question is to go 777X or not.

[@nw6gmp]

would never happen, especially since KE manufactures parts for both aircraft manufacturers.

[@aylyi-huh9355]

Icn pronounced in chun.

[@powershin12]

I don't think KE will ever purchase A350 due to its engine. Rolls Royce and KE does not get along very well. Unless Airbus introduces P&W or GE engine to A350, the chance is slim to none.

[@kathy8770]

Asiana does have A350's and korean air is planning to merge with them, i wonder what they are gonna do with Asiana's A350s

[@steinwaldmadchen]

They already have A220 and A321NEO in order, and there's no way to take more without ditching the MAX. They already picked 787 as their mid-size widebody, and A330NEO with its lower cargo load just doesn't fit anyway. Worststill Asiana has been in poor financial state for years, their contracts with lessors and Airbus are probably not very favourable for them. (e.g. hefty cancellation penalty in exchange for lower lease prices). Alaska bite the bullet and ditch the ex-Virgin A321NEO because they have the stomach, and 321s are cheap. When neither Korean or Hanjin Group behind them are much better than Asiana or Kumho Group, can they do the same with the much more expensive A350s?

[@user-vv6hz1mx1b]

@@kathy8770 i think they will sell all of them when they does the merger

[@MasterofBlitz]

@@user-vv6hz1mx1b Agreed. All but 2 A350s are leased. Whereas the huge majority of Korean Air’s fleet is owned by Korean Air itself.

[@inhchuongdiep3106]

First

[@InTeCredo]

So what? We don't care.

[@Haywood-Jablomie]

@@InTeCredo I care !!! His post changed my life !!!

[@coldpizzasoda8641]

Its because there aren't too many korean airlines. They're basically it.

[@ChrisGugliuzza]

there are many budget airlines within Korea. They fly internationally as well

[@erinsung3618]

korean air has far to much b777. i think A350 xwb 1000 wil be much better!

[@aylyi-huh9355]

Asiana pronounced ah shi ah nah