Cash-strapped Asiana Airlines is culling all first class service across its network in the latest cost-cutting exercise ahead of a possible sale.
South Korea’s second-largest carrier will scrap First Class from September and is introducing the ‘Business Suite’ class in its place.
Passengers in Business Suite still have the same First Class seats and get access to the premium lounges but at a 30-40% lower fare.
Customers will get usual Business Class in-flight catering and amenities.
Asiana also recently announced the suspension of 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 also recently announced it would scrap First Class service on 27 international routes.
