Next-gen B737-8s to make up 52% of fleet

Fleet to grow to 24 aircraft

Average age to drop to 7 years

Eastar Jet CEO Jo Jung-seok (sixth from right, back row) and other employees pose for a photo at Gimpo International Airport on Friday to mark the introduction of the next-generation aircraft. [Eastar Jet]
Eastar Jet CEO Jo Jung-seok (sixth from right, back row) and other employees pose for a photo at Gimpo International Airport on Friday to mark the introduction of the next-generation aircraft. [Eastar Jet]

Eastar Jet held an induction ceremony Friday for Boeing's next-generation B737-8, bringing its total fleet to 21 aircraft.

Eastar Jet CEO Jo Jung-seok and other company employees attended the ceremony at Gimpo International Airport.

With the latest addition, Eastar Jet now operates 11 B737-8 aircraft, accounting for about 52 percent of its 21-plane fleet.

The B737-8 burns about 20 percent less fuel than older models, cutting operating costs and carbon emissions. The aircraft has a maximum range of about 6,480 kilometers, giving the airline more options for developing medium-haul routes. Its engines also produce more than 50 percent less noise than those on older models, offering passengers a quieter and more comfortable flight.

Eastar Jet plans to take delivery of four B737-8s in total, including Friday's aircraft, by September. The additions will expand the fleet to 24 planes and bring the average aircraft age down to the seven-year range.

"We are continuing to introduce next-generation aircraft to expand our fleet while accelerating its modernization," an Eastar Jet official said. "We will improve operational efficiency and strengthen our route competitiveness to provide customers with more stable and comfortable air service."


eyre@heraldcorp.com