Korean Air has announced that passenger sales from London for 2011, when compared to 2010, were up 3% overall, with revenue up 9%.  Prestige (Business) Class was the best performer in London, sales were up 10% and revenue up 24%.  Both First and Economy sales from London were also up.

Broken down by destination from London the growth of the Australasia routes was the winner, with passengers up 35% and revenue up 37%. China also showed a healthy increase, up 5% on passengers when compared to 2010, with revenue up 19%. Revenue from Korean and South East Asia destinations were both up but Japan did not perform so well and was down 5% in revenue.

Korean Air’s Regional Manager U.K., Ireland & South Africa, Mr James Park said: “We are very pleased with the growth of Korean Air passenger numbers and revenue from the UK.  Our service to Australasia is extremely popular – it’s a very logical route via Seoul, with good connections for business and leisure passengers.  China also is doing well as awareness grows that we now fly to twenty-one cities in the country and as it is impossible to fly direct from the UK to many of the cities, a short transit at Incheon Airport is a good choice.”

The figures were announced at an event in London held to celebrate the forthcoming expansion of the Korean Air service from London.  As of 29 April London flights will increase from the current seven flights a week from London Heathrow to ten flights a week, with the addition of three flights from London Gatwick.

Korean Air also announced the schedule time for its flights from London Gatwick. The flight will operate three times a week on every Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays . The flight out of London Gatwick will depart at 10:30(Local time) on every Wednesdays and Sundays, at 10:40 on Fridays and arrive at Incheon at 05:25(+1) and 05:35(+1).