Final Testing for Korean Air’s First A380

The latest addition to the Korean Air fleet, the eagerly anticipated A380, has taken to the skies for its final phase of flight tests before going into service.

The flight and ground tests are being carried out from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, where the aircraft has undergone painting and full cabin furnishing before flying to Toulouse for the delivery ceremony. Korean Air will become the sixth operator of the A380 when it begins flying the aircraft in June of this year.

During the tests all cabin systems will be thoroughly tested, including air flow and air conditioning, lighting, galleys, washrooms, seats and inflight entertainment.

Korean Air’s A380 will have a total of only 407 seats: 12 First Class suites and 301 Economy Class seats on the lower deck with the whole of the upper deck devoted to the business traveller with 94 Prestige class seats.

Korean Air has ordered ten A380 aircraft with the first five to be delivered by the end of 2011 and an additional five by 2014.

The carrier will initially operate the A380 from Seoul to destinations in Asia, followed by non-stop long-haul services to North America and Europe.

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