Korean Air will be launching a new non-stop service between Incheon International Airport and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May.
The move reflects a significant step for Asian carriers servicing routes to the US, which has thus far proven to be difficult and often unprofitable for many due to increased competition in recent years. Last year, Singapore Airlines ceased its non-stop flights to Los Angeles and New York (see here), while Malaysian Airlines will soon fly its final service to LA this April (see here).
The inaugural flight of Korean Air’s new service will be operated by a B777-200, featuring a three-class configuration. It will offer eight first class “Kosmo Sleeper” seats, 28 business class “Prestige Plus” seats, and 225 economy class seats.
Kosmo Sleeper Seat
Houston is the second destination in Texas for Korean Air. It first launched operations between Seoul and Dallas in 1994, where it faced virtually no competition for nearly 20 years. However, American Airlines has since launched non-stop services between the two destinations.
Flight KE029 will depart Seoul at 0910 and arrive in Houston at 0830. The return leg will see flight KE030 leave Houston at 1040, before touching back down in Seoul at 1530 the following day. Korean Air will fly the route four times per week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information, visit www.koreanair.com
Clement Huang
