Program Reaches 200-Order Mark

The Airbus superjumbo program received a welcome boost this week, as Korean Air placed exercised options for two more A380s. This latest purchase agreement brings the total number of A380s ordered by Korean Air to 10 aircraft.

Korean Air plans to operate the aircraft in a three-class layout on routes linking Seoul to destinations in North America and Europe, including Los Angeles, New York and Paris.

"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."

"This order from Korean Air underscores the unique ability of the A380 to meet future growth requirements on the most heavily-travelled routes," added John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer. "By placing additional orders today, Korean Air will be even better placed to consolidate its position as a leading global carrier, offering its passengers the highest levels of in-flight comfort aboard this all new flagship of the airline industry."

The deal helped the A380 program reach the 200 orders mark, from 16 customers. To date, 12 A380s are in regularly scheduled airline service with Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.koreanair.com