South Korean airlines have voluntarily pledged to replace their old aircraft as part of efforts to boost passenger safety, the transportation ministry said Monday.
  

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the country's eight air carriers signed an agreement on Friday, in which they have voluntarily agreed to replace all their aircraft that are 20 years old or older.
  

The move comes despite the fact that there currently is no limit on the age of an aircraft, the ministry noted.
  

It said there also is no such thing as a lifespan for aircraft as aircraft are repaired and maintained on a daily basis.
  

Currently, only 14 out of 264 aircraft owned and operated by the country's seven passenger airlines are 20 years old or older while both of the two cargo planes operated by airfreight carrier Air Incheon are 20 years old or older.
  

The number compares with 234 aircraft 20 years old or older owned by the United States' Delta Air Lines Inc. alone and 233 such aircraft owned by American Airlines Inc., according to the ministry.
  

The average age of 124 aircraft owned by local industry leader Korean Air Lines Co. is at 9.89 years, while the company has only four passenger aircraft that are 20 years old or older.
  

The average age of aircraft owned by No. 2 flag carrier Asiana Airlines Co. is at 8.47 years with the company operating six aircraft, including four cargo planes, that are 20 years old or older, the ministry said. (Yonhap)