Korean Air is now able to load cargo by removing seats from idle passenger aircraft.
The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs announced on the 1st that it had approved Korean Air's application for repair and remodeling of idle passenger planes through a conformity check procedure.
Earlier, on the 20th of last month, Korean Air applied for approval of the remodeling work so that the passenger plane B777-300ER can remove the seat and load cargo on the cabin floor.
This is because cargo transportation is supporting the performance of airlines whose sales declined due to a sharp drop in passenger demand, as air freight rates rose as cargo transportation supplies decreased due to the prolonged COVID-19 outbreak.
However, removing the cabin seat requires a thorough review of safety as it requires removal of the electric wiring in the cabin.
The approval of the renovation work was obtained through a technical review of the manufacturer Boeing, and then the aviation safety supervisor of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Seoul Regional Aviation Administration) closely inspected the suitability and safety.
In addition, foreign airlines such as British Airways, Air Canada, and Emirates are also transporting cargo by remodeling airliners after technical review by manufacturers.
The approval measures are expected to carry an additional 10.8 tons of cargo on the refurbished airliner.
An official from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport explained, "We will actively support some LCC's in-cabin cargo transportation plans based on the guidelines for safe operation standards."
(Photo = Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Yonhap News)