Korean Air revises 777-300ER cabin retrofit amid regulatory scrutiny

Korean Air has adjusted its Boeing 777-300ER retrofit strategy, canceling plans to densify economy class seating from 3-3-3 to 3-4-3 on most of the aircraft in response to consumer criticism and regulatory concerns.

The initial retrofit plan, valued at US$216 million, included removing first class cabins, introducing a new business class product, and adding a premium economy section. The company originally aimed to increase economy class capacity by shifting to a 10-abreast (3-4-3) configuration.

After negative feedback from passengers and an intervention by South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC), which cited potential violations of merger conditions with Asiana Airlines, Korean Air decided to retain the 3-3-3 economy layout on 10 of the 11 aircraft undergoing cabin refurbishment.

Technical modifications will still proceed on those 10 aircraft, including upgrades to premium and business class cabins. One 777-300ER, already reconfigured with 3-4-3 seating, will remain in that layout and be assigned to routes not covered by regulatory commitments.

The FTC’s intervention follows broader concerns about market competition after Korean Air’s acquisition of Asiana. Authorities have mandated that the airline maintain service standards until at least 2034 on 40 key routes to safeguard consumer interests.

Korean Air is expected to continue its cabin modernization program while complying with regulatory restrictions.

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