A Boeing 737-8 (737 MAX) aircraft, which was banned from operations worldwide due to a series of crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019, will take off once more.
Korean Air announced on the 14th that the next-generation eco-friendly aircraft, Boeing 737-8 No. 1, arrived at Gimpo Airport on the 13th. 737-8 Unit 1 will go into full-scale operation from March 1 following undergoing airworthiness tests to check whether safety is secured.
Korean Air plans to introduce six 737-8 aircraft this year. In November 2015, Korean Air signed a contract with Boeing, an American aircraft manufacturer, to supply 30 737-8 aircraft (by 2028). In November last year, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport allowed the operation of Boeing 737 Max aircraft.
Korean Air is pouring out its company-wide capabilities to ensure the safe operation of the 737-8. It operates a maintenance team made up of veteran mechanics, and gives priority to experienced pilots with the control stick. In addition, measures to deal with all situations that may occur during flight are produced and utilized as a self-operating manual. Training was also provided so that various crisis situations might be resolved by reflecting the 737-8 aircraft in the simulator.
The 737-8 is rated as an eco-friendly aircraft. It is equipped with an engine with advanced technology, and an ‘Advanced Technology Winglet’ that reduces air resistance compared to the existing wing and saves fuel by an additional 1.8%. Through this, fuel can be saved by more than 15% compared to existing aircraft in the same class, and the seat operation cost can also be reduced by 12%. It also emits regarding 13% less carbon than the existing next-generation 737.
The convenience of the room is also considered an advantage. The streamlined design ceiling and shelves provide passengers with a spacious and comfortable space and feel. Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting of various colors can also be installed in the guest room to create a variety of room atmospheres according to the situation such as take-off, sunset, sunrise, watching a movie, sleeping, and landing. Korean Air placed 8 seats in Prestige Class and 138 seats in Economy Class on the 737-8.
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