Korean Air is bringing back its Boeing 747-8i on the Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Atlanta (ATL) route, making it the longest nonstop 747 passenger flight in the world. Starting April 25, 2025, this flight replaces the Boeing 777-300ER, adding 33% more seats.
This popular route is part of the SkyTeam partnership with Delta Air Lines, strengthening connections between Seoul and Atlanta, which is one of the busiest international airports in the US. The 747-8i is bringing extra capacity and a better experience for passengers on this 7,152-mile journey.
Korean Air’s Longest 747 Flight
Korean Air is bringing back the “Queen of the Skies” to fly the 7,152-mile route between Seoul and Atlanta. The flight will last about 14 hours from Seoul to Atlanta, and 15 hours 20 minutes on the return. The 747-8i has 368 seats, offering more space than the 277-seat 777-300ER. This change will make the flight more comfortable for passengers, with more economy class seats.
Korean Air will start with two flights a week, but from May to August 2025, it will operate daily flights. After that, the 777-300ER will return to this route.
Flight Schedule
The flight departs Seoul Incheon at 09:15 AM and arrives in Atlanta at 10:15 AM the same day. The return flight leaves Atlanta at 12:30 PM and lands in Seoul at 4:50 PM the next day.
Read More: Bengaluru’s New Air India SATS Logistics Park: The Future of Cargo, Now in Motion
Korean Air and Delta’s Partnership
This route highlights the strong partnership between Korean Air and Delta, both members of the SkyTeam alliance. Delta already operates two flights a day on this route using an Airbus A350, and with Korean Air’s daily service, there will be a total of three flights a day between Seoul and Atlanta. Together, the airlines will offer 1,682 seats daily on this route, which is as busy as other major SkyTeam routes like Paris and Amsterdam.
Korean Air’s Expansion to London
In addition to the Atlanta route, Korean Air will also use the 747-8i on the Seoul to London Heathrow (LHR) route from July 25 to October 24, 2025. The 747-8i will replace the 777-300ER on this popular European route, offering more seats. The aircraft will operate three times a week, down from the daily service in 2024.
The Future of the 747-8i
Korean Air’s use of the 747-8i may change again in the future. The airline sometimes switches between the 747-8i, A380, and 777-300ER based on demand. The 747-8i’s future is uncertain beyond 2025, as it may be converted for other uses.
While the 747-8i is loved by passengers for its spacious cabins, it is more expensive to operate compared to newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350.
Stay tuned for updates and follow us on social media for the latest news!
