On September 7, Korean Air announced that it has completely halted its plan to change the economy class seat configuration to a 3-4-3 layout in order to introduce a new 'premium' class positioned between business and economy.
This decision comes after some customers voiced complaints about the need to reduce the space of existing economy seats to make room for the new premium class.
Additionally, Joo Byunggi, the nominee for chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, recently stated in a written response during his confirmation hearing that he would "examine various issues from multiple angles, including concerns about reducing the number of seats and the potential decrease in consumer welfare." This has been interpreted as adding pressure on the airline to reconsider its plans.
Last month, Korean Air announced a plan to introduce a premium class-positioned between economy and business-on its Boeing B777-300ER aircraft, and to change the economy seat configuration from the current 3-3-3 layout to a 3-4-3 layout.
The new premium class offers greater seat pitch and width compared to economy class. However, introducing the premium class would require changes to the existing economy seat layout. While the current economy seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, the plan was to add an extra seat to create a 3-4-3 layout.
After the plan was announced, there was strong public opposition due to concerns that the side-to-side space in economy would be reduced, and that the price of the premium class would be more than 10% higher than economy class.
A Korean Air official stated, "As it will take considerable time to consult and review with the seat manufacturer, we will provide further updates on future plans at a later date."
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