Asiana Airlines is axing its first class service on all flights.
It is the latest cost-cutting move by Korea’s second largest airline ahead of a possible sale.
The first class service will be replaced with ‘Business Suite’ catering and amenities from September. First Class seats will remain, and Business Suite passengers will have access to airport premium lounges, but at fares 30% to 40% lower than First Class.
Asiana, which flies from London Heathrow to Seoul, recently announced it was suspending loss-making international routes to Khabarovsk and Sakhalin in Russia, and to Delhi, India.
Struggling parent company Kumho Asiana Group agreed to offload its stake in Asiana in return for a rescue package from creditors, as well as reducing operating costs across the business.
The airline also began offering voluntary retirement payouts for senior office-based staff.
Fellow Korean airline Korean Air recently announced it would scrap First Class service on 27 of its international routes.
