Flight Report: ICN-MNL on Korean Air Flight KE 619 (01 Feb 2025)

A brief look at my recent experience aboard Korean Air (KE) flight KE 619 between Seoul and Manila.

OVERVIEW

Note: All times are local. There is a 1-hour time difference between Seoul (GMT+9) and Manila (GMT+8).

Airline and flight number : Korean Air (KE) 619
Route : Seoul-Incheon, South Korea (IATA code: ICN) to Manila, Philippines (IATA code: MNL)
Route type : International
Date : Saturday, 01 February 2025
Scheduled departure time (ICN) : 21:40
Scheduled arrival time (MNL) : 01:05 (+1)
Aircraft : Airbus A321neo
Registration number : HL8530 (delivered July 2023)
Cabin configuration : 8 Business (“Prestige”) / 174 Economy = 182 total

MY EXPERIENCE

The journey began at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the main air transport hub for South Korea’s capital city Seoul.

Boarding followed the usual sequence: priority needs first, followed by high-tier frequent flyers and premium class passengers, then everyone else. The gate was fitted with a single aerobridge (rather than the typical two of other gates in this terminal), but as ours was a relatively small aircraft I imagine only one would have been used regardless.

Here’s a peek at the aeroplane from within the boarding pier. HL8530 was a relatively recent addition to the KE fleet, having just been delivered in 2023.

During boarding, passengers could help themselves to a set of take-home earphones from a tray by the aircraft door.

Even from the brief glance I managed whilst heading aft, Prestige (Business) Class looked quite impressive with its 2-by-2 configuration of angled, slightly offset seats.

Economy Class wasn’t anywhere near as luxurious, but it proved more than adequate for this relatively short flight. Blankets were supplied at every seat prior to boarding.

Note the generously-sized touch-screen personal monitors, which were gargantuan by Economy standards at a whopping 17 inches.

Other amenities included coat hooks (mounted near the headrest of the seat in front) and universal power outlets down by the floor.

For the inflight meal on routes of this length, KE typically offer a choice between two hot mains. I went with bibimbap (a traditional Korean mixed rice dish), which came with an assortment of accompaniments: a fresh salad, sliced fruit, a bread roll, one’s choice of beverage…

…and on the side, a tube of gochujang (red pepper paste) and a sachet of sesame oil to add to the bibimbap according to taste.

On the whole, a great experience aboard a shiny new aeroplane with good food, reasonable legroom, and attentive service. I’d happily fly with KE again on this route.