Boeing and Korean Air have marked the delivery of the airline’s first 747-8 Intercontinental.

The new fuel-efficient jet is the first of 10 747-8 passenger airplanes the carrier has on order.

“This new aircraft delivers better fuel economy,” said Walter Cho, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Korean Air.

“That is important to a global airline such as ours.

“And it supports our goal to build and operate a first-class fleet of world-class aircraft.”

With this delivery, Korean Air becomes the first airline in the world to operate both the passenger and freighter versions of the 747-8.
Korean Air currently operates seven 747-8 Freighters.

“Korean Air has been a valued Boeing customer for more than 40 years and we are honoured to celebrate yet another milestone delivery together with their first 747-8 Intercontinental,2 said Ray Conner, president, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“As one of the few airlines that have operated almost all models of the 747 family, we are excited that Korean Air is extending the tradition with our newest 747-8 Intercontinental.

“I am confident that the 747-8 will continue to play an important role in Korean Air’s long-term success.”
Korea’s flag carrier currently operates a fleet of 87 Boeing passenger airplanes that includes 737, 747 and 777s.

The airline also operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 28 747-400, 747-8 and 777 Freighters.