The new presidential plane is a Boeing 747-8i that will start service next month. Shown here is the outgoing Code One aircraft Boeing B747-400. (Korea.net DB)

By Min Yea-Ji and Kim Hayeon 

The presidential plane Code One is set to be replaced with a new model after 11 years.

Domestic news media including Yonhap News on Oct. 25 cited government and Cheong Wa Dae officials as saying a Boeing 747-8i will be deployed as the new Code One and start flying from next month.

The outgoing Boeing B747-400 in its final mission will take President Moon Jae-in on his three-nation European trip later this week. 

The plane will conclude 11 years of service by transporting the chief executive on his nine-day visit from Oct. 28 to Rome, Italy, Glasgow, the U.K., and Budapest, Hungary. 

Built in 2001, the B747-400 began operations in 2010 under a five-year contract with Korean Air, and its lease was extended twice in 2015 and last year. 

With a speed of Mach 0.86, the new plane is the fastest among large aircraft; it is bigger and can fly 2,300 km farther than its predecessor.

Since the Ministry of National Defense in May last year signed a contract for the new plane, the Boeing B747-8i 400 has received upgrades in security and communication devices to enhance defense against missile attacks. The plane's exterior was painted and the interior including the president's office, bedrooms and staff quarters was remodeled.

Under a five-year lease and purchased for KRW 300.29 billion, the plane will begin service next month. 

Code One is a core equipment of national security used to take the president on overseas trips. 

jesimin@korea.kr