Korean Air deploys its business jet for the 17th Incheon Asian Games torch relay

HONG KONG – Korean Air, South Korea’s flagship airline, has announced it will deploy its business jet for the 17th Incheon Asian Games torch relay.

Korean Air’s business jet departed from Gimpo Airport on 9 August and fly to Delhi, India where the Asian Games’ torch will be ignited and will start its rely journey across Asia.

The charter flight carried the torch from Delhi to Yantai on 10 August. The torch will then arrive at Incheon port through the waterway between Korea and China. On 13 August at the Incheon Culture & Art Center, the torch will be combined with another one which is separately ignited on Manisan Mountain, Korea on 12 August to become the ‘Asian flame of the future’.

Korean Air business jetIn order to deliver the Asian Games torch safely, Korean Air deploys the Global Express XRS, which can fly more than 12 hours carrying 12 passengers onboard. The cruise speed of the business jet is 879km/h and the maximum range is 11,500km.

Previously, the Asian Games torch was ignited in the host country. However, starting from this year’s Incheon Asian Games, the committee has decided to light the flame in New Delhi where the first Asian Games was held in 1951.

Being the ‘Prestige Partner’ of the Incheon Asian Games, Korean Air has decided to offer its charter flight for the safe delivery of the Games torch for the relay.

In March 2012, Korean Air became the first official sponsor of the Incheon Asian Games. Korean Air, as the official and highest-ranking sponsor, the ‘Prestige Partner’ of the Games, provides full support to the Incheon Asian Games and sponsors air tickets and hotel accommodation.