Korean Air Reconsiders Economy Class Overhaul... Likely to Restore '3-3-3' Layout

Korean Air

Korean Air is considering reverting its economy class seat configuration from the planned '3-4-3' layout back to '3-3-3'.

According to industry sources on September 5, the economy class seats on 10 Boeing B777-300ER aircraft, which are scheduled to be fitted with 'premium economy', are likely to adopt the 3-3-3 configuration. Last month, Korean Air announced that it would introduce a premium class between economy and business class on these aircraft and change the economy class layout to 3-4-3. This would have increased the number of seats per aircraft from 291 to 328, but the width between seats would have been reduced by 1 inch (2.54 cm) on each side.

However, the retrofit of the first aircraft is proceeding as planned. As previously announced, the first aircraft is scheduled to begin service on the Singapore route on September 17.

Korean Air's decision to reconsider the seat configuration appears to be a response to consumer backlash. After consumers voiced complaints about the so-called "chicken coop seats," and with the Korea Fair Trade Commission launching a review of the appropriateness of the changes, Korean Air has decided to step back. Joo Byungki, nominee for chairman of the Korea Fair Trade Commission, stated on September 3, "We will take a comprehensive look at not only the reduction in seat size but also various issues that may raise concerns about decreased consumer welfare."