Korean Air has celebrated delivery of its first
Airbus A380
at a special ceremony held in Toulouse, France.
Configured in a three class layout with just 407
seats, the lowest configuration of any A380 operator so far,
Korean Air’s double-decker A380s feature 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 carrier is also the first to devote an entire
deck of the giant aircraft to one class.
Korean
Air will have a “Duty Free
Showcase” on its new A380 aircraft. This unusual feature will have a
variety of duty-free products displayed, such as cosmetics,
perfumes, liquor and accessories, with a dedicated cabin crew
member on hand to assist and advise passengers with their
shopping.
Korean Air’s A380 will also feature a stylish onboard bar and lounge area where
passengers can sample Korean Air’s selection of exclusive
cocktails while enjoying some rest and relaxation during their
flight.
Korean Air’s first A380 will arrive in
Korea on 2 June 2011 after finishing final flight and ground tests in
Toulouse. The new aircraft will then go through the required
flight tests in Korea and will make its inaugural flight to Tokyo
Narita in mid June.
Korean Air will be the sixth
operator of the A380. The airline has ordered ten A380 aircraft
with the first five to be delivered by the end of 2011 and an
additional five by 2014. Korean Air will initially operate the
A380 from Seoul to destinations in Asia, followed by non-stop
long-haul services to North America and Europe.
“Korean Air was the first airline to purchase an Airbus
aircraft outside Europe. 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. It will
strengthen our fleet and help Korean Air connect the world in
comfort and with convenience,” said Mr. Yang Ho Cho, Chairman and
CEO of Korean Air. “As we enter this new era of great service, we
pledge to continue to set our standards high; to maintain our
commitment to the environment; to complement great aircraft with
great service; and to make our flights the kind that customers
want to return to.”
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