It was another big day for Asian carriers at the Paris Air Show yesterday, with Korean Air announcing its intent to beef up its narrowbody fleet and Eva Air strengthening its widebody fleet.
Korean Air signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with both Airbus and Boeing for 50 A321neos and 30 B737 MAXs.
Cho Yang Ho, chairman of Korean Air Group (far left) signs the MOU with Airbus' CEO Fabrice Bregier and COO John Leahy
The deal comes with the option for 20 more A321neos as well as 20 more B737 MAXs.
Korean Air has also agreed to purchase two additional B777-300ER jetliners, adding to the 11 it currently has on order.
Korean Air A321neo
The purchase of the A321neo is particularly significant, as Korean Air does not currently operate the aircraft, and is therefore a new customer to the single aisle A320 family.
“After an extensive technical evaluation we are pleased to announce that Korean Air will introduce Airbus single aisle aircraft for the first time,” said Cho Yang Ho, chairman of Korean Air Group.
“The A321neo will bring new levels of efficiency, longer flying range and greater in-flight comfort to our single aisle fleet, as well as reduced impact on the environment.
Korean Air B737 MAX
Both the A321neo and the B737 Max will be used on the regional services, as well as longer sectors to selected destinations in Southeast Asia.
While the number of available seats on the A321neo has not been finalised, the airline confirmed that it will offer the same two-class full-service configuration as on its B737s.
Eva Air A330-300
Meanwhile, Eva Air also agreed to purchase four new A330-300s, which would bolster its existing fleet of A330 aircraft.
Airbus has confirmed that the new A330s will be powered by the same CF6-80 engines currently featured on the Taiwanese carrier’s existing fleet.
Eva Air currently operates a fleet of 29 Airbus aircraft, including 14 A330s and 15 A321s.
For more information, visit koreanair.com and evaair.com
Clement Huang
