Korean Air expands fleet, inducts new Airbus A380

South Korea’s flagship carrier Korean Air received the delivery of its first Airbus A380 in Toulouse on 24th May 2011, thus expanding its fleet. The newly-acquired first A380 will arrive in Korea on June 2 after finishing final flight and ground tests in Toulouse.

With its new acquisition, the Korean Air will become the sixth operator of the A380. The Korean Air has ordered a total of ten A380 aircraft. The first five aircrafts would be delivered by the end of 2011, whereas the remaining five aircrafts will be delivered by 2014. Initially, the Korean Air will operate the A380 from Seoul to destinations in Asia, followed by nonstop long-haul services to North America and Europe.

Chairman and CEO of Korean Air Yang Ho Cho said that Korean Air is the first airline to buy an Airbus aircraft outside Europe. He said, “The exceptional, fuel efficient and environmental friendly A380, which has now become an essential part of our fleet, perfectly assists Korean Air in advancing our goal of becoming a respected leading global carrier.”

Airbus A380, the newest addition to Korean Air’s next-generation fleet of aircraft, is configured in a three class layout with just 407 seats. An entire deck of the giant aircraft will be devoted to business class. Korean Air’s double-decker A380s feature unique amenities with 12 First Class Kosmo Suites and 301 Economy Class seats on the main deck and 94 fully lie-flat Prestige Sleeper seats in Prestige Class (Business Class) on the upper deck.

The Korean Air will also become the first airline in the industry to have a ‘Duty Free Showcase’ on its new A380 aircraft. A variety of duty-free products such as cosmetics, perfumes, liquor and accessories will be displayed. Besides, among other features the aircraft will also have a stylish onboard bar and lounge area for the passengers to enjoy and relax during their journey.