Korean Air adds G800 to Samsung chair-frequented private jet fleet
Published: 12 Mar. 2026, 18:25
Updated: 13 Mar. 2026, 08:39
![The interior of Korean Air’s business jet BBJ Boeing 737-700, used as a private aircraft for corporate leaders and other VIP clients [KOREAN AIR]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/13/73e43c5d-9f0f-4653-af0b-9ef46186cfa5.jpg)
The interior of Korean Air’s business jet BBJ Boeing 737-700, used as a private aircraft for corporate leaders and other VIP clients [KOREAN AIR]
Korean Air has added a new ultra-long-range business jet to expand its private aviation business, reflecting rising demand from wealthy customers such as corporate executives for chartered aircraft for overseas travel.
The airline recently introduced the G800, an ultra-long-range business jet manufactured by U.S. aircraft maker Gulfstream. It arrived in Korea earlier this month, according to media outlet Korea Sports Economy.
The G800 can carry up to 13 passengers and has a longer range than the existing Gulfstream G650ER, enabling longer nonstop flights.
With the addition, Korean Air now operates five private jets. Its fleet includes the Boeing BBJ 787-8, BBJ 737-700, Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream G650ER and Bombardier Global Express XRS.
Private jets provide aircraft services typically used by corporate chairs or chief executives for overseas business trips and long-distance travel. Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong is known to use Korean Air’s private jet for overseas trips.
Among the fleet, the BBJ 787-8 is a large private jet configured with about 39 seats and is mainly used for long-distance travel by corporate leaders.
Korean Air is the only Korean carrier operating a private jet charter business.
The airline also runs a membership program for private jet users. Customers who pay an annual fee of about 700 million won ($474,000) can use a private jet for up to 30 hours a year. After exceeding that limit, the service costs about 4.8 million won per hour for international flights and about 2.9 million won per hour for domestic flights.
Without a membership, one-time charter rates are reportedly about 40 million won per hour.
![Korean Air planes are seen at Incheon International Airport on March 5. [NEWS1]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/13/00822fba-24de-4937-ac86-af1f356c152c.jpg)
Korean Air planes are seen at Incheon International Airport on March 5. [NEWS1]
Many companies opt to charter private jets rather than own them due to high operating and maintenance costs. A single aircraft can cost hundreds of billions of won, and annual operating expenses — including pilot and cabin crew salaries, maintenance and hangar fees — can approach 10 billion won.
Samsung Group previously owned private aircraft but sold three airplanes and six helicopters to Korean Air in 2015. Since then, the conglomerate has chartered Korean Air’s private jets when needed.
Some conglomerates continue to operate their own aircraft. SK Group and Hyundai Motor Group each own two private jets, while LG Group and Hanwha Group each operate one.
Companies often rely on private jets because of their global business operations. As major firms expand production facilities, research centers and overseas subsidiaries around the world, executives increasingly need long-distance travel.
Private jets also allow companies to reach destinations without direct commercial flights and reduce travel time significantly.
“Top executives at major companies sometimes have to travel between several countries in a single day,” an industry insider said. “Private jets help shorten travel time and improve the efficiency of their schedules.”
Demand growth also reflects a broader trend in the global private aviation market. Market research firm Mordor Intelligence estimates the global private jet charter market will grow from about $16.3 billion in 2025 to $24 billion by 2030 as companies expand overseas investment and manage increasingly complex global supply chains.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY PARK YOUNG-WOO [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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