Korean Air has confirmed it is to purchase three more Airbus A380 aircraft.This order is in addition to the five A380 aircraft ordered by Korean Air in 2003. Korean Air will receive the three additional A380s between 2012 and 2013. The first five are due to be delivered between 2010 and 2011.

“Our decision to purchase the A380 aircraft is in line with our vision to become a global leading carrier providing the best quality of service to our passengers,” said Yang Ho Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “The A380 is a comfortable, environment-friendly aircraft for the 21st century and it will enable Korean Air to provide Excellence in Flight to our customers.”

The A380 is the largest commercial passenger aircraft in the world, a double-decker which can seat over 800 depending on configuration. It reduced its weight by using composite materials and enhanced engine efficiency, lowering fuel consumption by 15% and CO2 emission by 20%.

Starting 2010, Korean Air will introduce the A380 aircraft on its highly trafficked longhaul routes such as LA, New York and Paris.

In September of 2007, Korean Air hosted a promotional flight of the A380, introducing the next-generation aircraft to the Korean audience for the first time. Korean Air was one of the first airlines outside Europe to purchase Airbus aircraft in 1974. It currently operates 29 Airbus aircraft, including 19 A330-200/300s, eight A300-600s and two A300-600 freighters.
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