SEATTLE, June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Korean Air celebrated two milestone deliveries this month, beginning with the airline’s 30th 777, a 777-300ER (extended range) and its first Next-Generation 737-900ER (extended range). The latter marks the airline’s first 737 with the new Boeing Sky Interior.

“Korean Air is focused on exceeding our customers’ expectations,” said Kim Sung Gab, Delivery Team Leader & Managing VP, Korean Air. “The enhancements in passenger comfort and efficiency of these new airplanes, in addition to Boeing’s new Sky Interior, will create a more comfortable flying experience that compliments Korean Air’s vision of ‘Excellence in Flight.'”

The Boeing 737-900ER is the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family and has the highest capacity with longest-range in Boeing’s single-aisle fleet. The advanced-technology wing design helps increase fuel capacity and efficiency provides substantial economic advantages over competing models.

Korea’s flagship carrier plans to introduce its first 737-900ER with the innovative Boeing Sky Interior to passengers on their Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Haneda routes later this year. The carrier will receive a second Boeing 737-900ER this week.

“This is another great milestone in Boeing’s long and successful partnership with Korean Air,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “From their first 737-900ER with the Boeing Sky Interior to its 30th 777 in operation, Korean Air continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence in terms of both fleet operations and customer service.”

The 737 Boeing Sky Interior features a new cabin with different lighting schemes ranging from a soft sky blue to a calm and relaxing pallet of sunset colors. The innovative change in cabin lighting uses brighter LED (light emitting diode) lights that last 10 times longer than the previous standard of lights.

Korean Air currently operates 30 Boeing 777 airplanes and has an additional 11 on order. The 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. It is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat.

A total of 103 Boeing airplanes are in the Korean Air fleet today. With an average fleet age of just over 10 years, the airline maintains one of the youngest fleets among global airlines in operation today.
Source and Photo: Boeing