Korean Air has received its first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner and will launch its inaugural flight on 25 July from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita.

The next-generation, eco-friendly 787-10 features the latest state-of-the-art technology, superior fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. This advanced aircraft will also debut Korean Air’s new Prestige Class cabin interior, offering business class passengers an unparalleled travel experience.

The 787-10 stands as the largest model in the 787 Dreamliner series. Its fuselage spans 68.3 metres, making it about five meters longer than the 787-9. This increased length enables the 787-10 to carry 15 per cent more passengers and cargo.

The 787-10 boasts enhanced efficiency, passenger comfort, reliability and operational capabilities. Unlike traditional aluminum alloys, the aircraft’s fuselage is made from carbon composite materials, which reduce weight and increase durability, and lower carbon emissions by over 20 per cent compared to similar-sized aircraft.

The wings and engines of the 787-10 are designed with advanced technologies to maximize efficiency. The wingtips are equipped with raked wing tips, which improve takeoff and climb performance, improving fuel efficiency.

The 787-10 is equipped with advanced GEnx-1B74/75 engines from General Electric, the same model proven for performance and reliability on the Boeing 787-9. The engine nacelles feature chevron nozzles, notable for their zigzag pattern, that significantly reduce noise from engine exhaust.

The maximum range of the 787-10 is 11,175 kilometers, about 1,400 kilometres shorter than the 787-9 due to the longer fuselage and increased seating capacity.

Korean Air’s 787-10 aircraft is configured with a total of 325 seats, including 36 Prestige Class seats and 289 economy class seats.

The 787-10 stands as the largest model in the 787 Dreamliner series.

Korean Air’s new Prestige Suites 2.0

The newly introduced Prestige Class seats, “Prestige Suites 2.0,” are designed to offer passengers a luxurious experience. The design features traditional Korean patterns, including “Jogakbo” patchwork, to showcase Korea’s cultural beauty.

The interior features a cream colour inspired by Joseon Dynasty porcelain and a gold hue reminiscent of brassware, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. Shades of charcoal and black with a blue tint add a sense of stability.

One of the standout features of the Prestige Suites 2.0 is its innovative design, which prioritises passenger privacy. Each seat functions as a virtually independent space, with an open top that enhances a sense of openness while maintaining a level of privacy.

Prestige Suites 2.0 are designed to offer passengers a luxurious experience.

The seats fully recline to a flat 180 degrees, transforming into a bed. The seat length has been extended to about 198 cm (78 inches), with a seat pitch of 117cm (46 inches) and a seat width of 53cm (21 inches), ensuring a generous amount of personal space.

Additional convenience is provided by expanded personal space next to the armrest, featuring a table for cups and small personal items, a personal storage compartment, a wireless phone charger, dual 220V/110V outlets, and two high-speed USB-C ports.

The economy class features seats in a 3-3-3 configuration with vibrant woven patterns of bold colours, creating a distinctive and lively atmosphere. The seats offer a recline of up to 120 degrees with headrests adjustable in multiple directions for optimal comfort. The seat pitch is 81cm (32 inches), and the seat width is 44cm (17.2 inches).

Economy class features seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.

High-resolution monitors supporting 4K resolution offer an enhanced inflight entertainment experience in both classes. Prestige class passengers can enjoy 60cm (24-inch) monitors with Bluetooth audio support, while economy class seats feature 33cm (13-inch) monitors, approximately 5cm (2 inches) larger than those on other models. Inflight Wi-Fi service is also available.

Contributions from Korean Air’s Aerospace Division

The 787-10 aircraft features key components manufactured by Korean Air’s Aerospace Division in Busan, such as the aft body, raked wing tips, and flap support fairings. Korean Air has been contributing as a major partner in Boeing’s 787 program since 2006 and has actively participated in the design and production of the 787 aircraft.

Korean Air plans to utilise the 787-10 on key trunk routes to leverage its range, new hard products, and high fuel efficiency. The 787-10 will initially be deployed on short-haul routes to stabilize operations, before being deployed on long-haul routes such as the Seoul Incheon-Vancouver route.

Vancouver, a major gateway city in western Canada, sees significant travel demand as well as significant transit traffic from Southeast Asia. Korean Air intends to deploy the 787-10 on other high-demand routes, including those to the western United States and Europe.