Asiana Airlines of South Korea has become a new customer for the Airbus A380 following the signature of a firm order for six aircraft.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2014 and the airline plans to operate the aircraft on key routes to Europe and the US. The airlines has not yet confirmed its engine selection.

“With the A380 Asiana will be able to take its award-winning service to a new level, offering the very highest standards of comfort in the sky,” said Yoon Young-Doo, President and CEO, Asiana Airlines. “At the same time, the significantly reduced operating costs and fuel efficiencies afforded by the aircraft will enable us to enhance our productivity and reduce our carbon footprint. This is inline with our policy to operate one of the most modern and environmentally-friendly fleets in the world.”

Typically seating around 525 passengers in a three class layout, the A380 is capable of flying 8,300 nautical miles / 15,300 kilometres non-stop, enabling direct service from Seoul to Europe and the US.

Total firm orders for the aircraft currently stand at 240 from 18 customers worldwide.