Korean Air postpones A380 retirement, schedule change double deckers will still fly for years
Korean Air has decided to postpone the retirement of its seven A380-800s, originally scheduled for 2026, due to the [...]
Korean Air
SkyTeam
Korean Air has decided to postpone the retirement of its seven A380-800s, originally planned for 2026, due to delays in delivery of new aircraft and increasing passenger demand. The news, reported by the Korean newspaper Asia Business Daily, has not yet been officially confirmed by the airline.
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In 2021, Korean Air CEO Walter Cho had announced the retirement of A380s by 2026.
One of the A380s was transferred Dec. 31 to Lufthansa Technik's MRO facility in Manila Ninoy Aquino International for a D-Check. The report also highlights recent minor upgrades on the cabins of some A380s.
What is D-Check?
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The D-Check, also known as the Heavy Maintenance Visit (HMV)., is one of the most thorough and complex maintenance inspections an aircraft can undergo during its operational cycle. This intervention, which is mandatory according to international aviation regulations, takes place about every 6-10 years and takes weeks or even months to complete.
During D-Check, the aircraft is completely disassembled to allow a detailed review of the structure, systems and major components to ensure its safety and efficiency. In the case of A380s, aircraft of large size and complexity, the D-Check process is particularly challenging and expensive, but essential to extend the operational life of the aircraft and meet the required safety standards.
No retirement, in fact it will fly for a long time yet
According to Asia Business Daily, the decision to send the aircraft to Manila for D-Check emphasizes. Korean Air's intention to keep A380s operational beyond 2026. The main reasons include low demand in the market for resale of these aircraft, delays in delivery of new aircraft, and high passenger demand for flights.
The merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines
A crucial element for the Korean Air's fleet future is merging with Asiana Airlines, a transaction that will have a significant impact on the operational strategies of the two companies.
Korean Air currently uses A380-800s mainly on routes from Seoul to Los Angeles and New York JFK. Of the seven A380s in the fleet, only four are in service, while the other three are parked at Incheon Airport, to these, however, must be added the cars in Asiana livery that runs Currently a fleet of six Airbus A380-800s.
This operation will not only consolidate the position of Korean Air as one of Asia's leading airlines, but it will also provide opportunities to optimize the use of A380s, especially on the most popular long-haul routes.
The combined fleet of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.
With the merger, Korean Air will inherit not only Asiana's A380s, but also other significant assets. Currently, Korean Air operates a diverse fleet consisting of Boeing 747-8, 777, 787, and Airbus A330 and A220 aircraft. For its part, Asiana operates mainly A350s, A321s, and 777s, in addition to A380s.
Once the merger is complete the size of the new Korean Air will be significantly larger and will thus be able to counter not only other Asian carriers, but also the new Air India and Middle Eastern carriers.
