SEATTLE, WA. | July 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/– Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Korean Air today finalized an order for two 777-300ERs (Extended Range) airplanes. The order is valued at $596 million at Boeing list prices.

“Korean Air has been a valued Boeing customer for over five decades and we are honored the airline has again chosen the 777-300ER to expand its long-haul fleet,” said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Greater China and Korea, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777-300ERs advanced technology and innovative features will continue to provide the airline with tremendous economics and reliability. Korean Air’s growing fleet of Boeing twin-aisle airplanes validates its commitment to excellence in flight.”

Korea’s flag carrier is in the midst of expanding its wide-body fleet to meet growing passenger traffic in Asia. The new airplanes will help Korean Air continue to position itself as a premium global airline.

The Boeing 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. It is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. The 777-300ER seats up to 365 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).

Korean Air currently operates 34 777 airplanes that include 10 777-300ERs. With this order, the airline has six more 777-300ERs on order with Boeing. The airline became the first airline in the world to operate both the 747-8 and 777 Freighters when they were added to its fleet after a historic double airplane delivery in February of this year.

Carrier To Become Sixth Operator Of World’s Most Eco-Efficient Aircraft

May 24, 2011 — Korean Air has celebrated the delivery of its first A380 at a special ceremony at Airbus in Toulouse today. The ceremony was attended by Korean Air Chairman Yang Ho Cho and hosted by Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. EADS CEO Louis Gallois was also present at the event. Korean Air is the sixth airline to take delivery of the A380 and has ordered a total of 10 aircraft.

Korean Air will initially operate the A380 from its Seoul hub to selected destinations in Asia, followed by non-stop services to North America and Europe. The airline has specified an extra-spacious layout for its A380 fleet, with accommodation for 407 passengers in three classes. Special features on board the aircraft include the world’s first ever duty free showcase area and a stylish onboard bar and lounge on the upper deck for premium passengers.

“Korean Air was the first airline to purchase an Airbus aircraft outside Europe and they have now become an essential part of our fleet,” said Yang Ho Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “The exceptional, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly A380 that is being delivered today is perfect to assist Korean Air in advancing our goal of becoming a respected leading global carrier.”

“We are extremely proud to welcome Korean Air as the latest operator of the A380,” said Tom Enders, President and CEO of Airbus. “The A380 has proven to be a game changer, setting new standards for comfort, economic efficiency and respect for the environment. We are confident that the A380 will play a key role in enabling Korean Air to further strengthen its position as one of the world’s great airlines.”

Since entering service in 2007 the eco-efficient A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying more people further at lower cost. The spacious, quieter cabin and smooth ride have made the aircraft a firm favourite with passengers. This has resulted in higher than average load factors and increased profitability on A380 flights, providing airlines with a key competitive advantage wherever they operate the type.

Typically seating 525 passengers in a three class layout, the A380 is capable of flying 8,300 nautical miles or 15,300 kilometres. This enables non-stop service with a full payload from Seoul to any destination in Europe, and as far afield as the East Coast of the US.

Eco-Efficient A330 Family Remains The Popular Choice

May 3, 2011 — Korean Air has placed a firm order with Airbus for five A330-200s.The latest purchase agreement increases the total numbers of A330s ordered by Korean Air to 30 aircraft, of which 23 have already been delivered. As with the existing Korean Air A330 fleet, the newly ordered aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW 4000 engines.

“Korean Air’s latest order underscores the ongoing success of the A330 with leading airlines worldwide,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus. “Combining the highest levels of reliability, outstanding medium and long range capabilities and the lowest operating costs in its class, the A330 is proving time and time again that it is the most efficient aircraft in service today in the mid-size widebody category.”

With a true wide-body fuselage creating very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. It also has the excellent operational flexibility necessary to serve a wide range of route structures, providing operators with very low operating cost per seat.

Airbus has recorded over 1,100 orders for the A330 Family, with more than 750 aircraft currently flying with more than 90 operators worldwide. In addition to passenger aircraft, the A330 Family also includes freighter, VIP and military transport / tanker variants.