Asia-Pacific

Airbus receives 6 A380 orders from Asiana Airlines

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-07 08:55

PARIS - Airbus has signed an agreement with Asiana Airlines for the sale of six A380 aircraft to the South Korean flag carrier, the French company said on Thursday.

Delivery will start in 2014.

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Airbus did not give details on the order's value but media reports said the deal could be worth $1.8 billion.

"The order is a further endorsement of the A380 as the most efficient tool to meet demand on the world's most heavily traveled routes, especially out of the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region," Airbus Chief Operating Officer for Customers John Leahy said.

"With the A380 in its fleet Asiana will be able to increase its share of international traffic and reinforce its well-deserved status as one of the world's premier carriers," he added.

With 525 passengers in a three-class layout, the A380 is able to fly 15,300 kilometers non-stop, enabling direct service from Seoul to Europe and America.

Airbus now has 240 A380 orders from 18 customers.