KOREAN AIR BECOMES FIRST ASIAN CARRIER TO RECEIVE BOEING 737-900

Korean Air today became the first carrier in Asia to take delivery of a Boeing 737-900, marking a major milestone for its domestic fleet modernization. The new airplane is the first of 16 737-900s that Korean Air will receive during the next four years.

The 737-900 is the newest and the largest member of the 737 family. Its advanced technology and operating characteristics offer superior economics, reliability, maintainability and schedule flexibility, all of which will maximize Korean Air's short-haul operations efficiency.

The 737-900 will fit seamlessly into the airline's existing 14-airplane fleet of 737-800s. The 737 family's high technology flight deck and fleet commonality offer increased efficiency, simplifying airplane scheduling and flight crew training.

Initially, KAL will operate its new 737-900s on domestic routes. In addition, the 3,159-statute-mile (5,084 km) design range and capacity of the 737-900 will enable its use on regional routes to complement its 737-800s.

The 737-900 is capable of carrying up to 177 passengers in a two-class layout or up to 189 passengers in a one-class layout.

Korean Air continues to exhibit its leadership in fleet modernization, also demonstrated through the expansion of its Boeing 777 and 747-400 long-haul fleets. With this new delivery, KAL will operate 75 Boeing jetliners, including 10 777s and 27 747-400 passenger airplanes, six 747-400 freighters, four MD-80s and four MD-11 freighters.