Korean Air is making waves in the aviation world as it reintroduces its Boeing 747-8i fleet on the long-haul route from Seoul to Atlanta, securing the title for flying the longest distance by a passenger-configured Boeing 747. This move marks a significant achievement for the airline, surpassing the previous record held by Lufthansa on the Frankfurt to Buenos Aires route. By bringing back the jumbo jets to the Seoul-Incheon International Airport to Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport journey, Korean Air is set to elevate the travel experience for passengers during the summer season of 2025.

The first flight of Korean Air’s 747-8i, with flight number KE35, departed from Incheon Airport with much anticipation. The aircraft, 8.9 years old as noted by ch-aviation, is set to accommodate the increased traffic expected during the peak summer season. With a three-class configuration offering first-class, business class, and economy class seats, the 368-passenger capacity of the Boeing 747-8i presents a 33% increase in comparison to the smaller 777-300ER aircraft previously used on this route.

Not only does the reintroduction of the Boeing 747-8i fleet provide a greater capacity for passengers, but it also offers travelers a unique and comfortable flying experience. The direct flights between Seoul and Atlanta will run twice weekly initially, with plans to increase to a daily service in the coming months. The strategic timings of the flights also allow for seamless connections onto Delta’s extensive network of domestic and international flights from Atlanta, further enhancing the convenience for passengers.

While Korean Air embraces the Boeing 747-8i for its long-haul journeys to Atlanta and London for the summer of 2025, the future of this iconic aircraft with the airline remains uncertain. As Korean Air transitions to more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A350 for its key international routes, the operation of the Boeing 747-8i may face challenges. Nonetheless, for now, passengers can enjoy the luxury and spaciousness of the Boeing 747-8i on their travels with Korean Air. For aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike, experiencing this iconic aircraft on a long-haul journey is sure to create lasting memories and a sense of nostalgia.