Asiana Airlines receives first Airbus A380 aircraft

South Korea’s Asiana Airlines has received its first of six ordered Airbus A380s, becoming the 11th operator of the aircraft model worldwide.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, each aircraft in the carrier’s A380 fleet will feature a premium three class layout, with a capacity to accommodate 495 passengers, with 12 private suites in the first class, 66 fully flat seats in ‘Business Smartium’ and 417 seats in travel class.

All seats will be equipped with the latest on-demand in-flight entertainment systems.

Kumho Asiana Group chairman Park Sam Koo said: "I am confident that Asiana can further enhance its level of customer service and that the A380 will play a significant role in helping us to remain at the forefront of the airline business."

Asiana Airlines will initially deploy its new aircraft from Seoul on regional services in Asia to Tokyo, Hong Kong and Bangkok, followed by long-distance routes to Los Angeles.

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said the A380 offers an efficient solution to meet increasing demand on the world’s most heavily travelled routes and in the largest growth markets.

"With the aircraft in its fleet, Asiana will be able to develop further its position as one of the world’s leading international carriers," Brégier said.

As part of the wide-body fleet modernisation plan, Asiana Airlines also ordered 30 of the new A350 XWB, an aircraft that delivers 25% less operating costs, compared with similar aircraft in the market.

Currently, Asiana’s fleet includes the A330 and A320 Family.

Airbus currently has 324 firm orders for the A380, from 20 customers. Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer offering a complete range of aircraft families, as well as the most modern, comprehensive and fuel-efficient product line on the market.

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Image: The Asiana Airlines A380 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. Photo: courtesy of Airbus SAS.