Airbus A380 Enters Service at IIAC, a First for Korea

The Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial jet, has been introduced in a long-haul route by Emirates Airline. It is the first time that an Airbus A380 will make regular stops at Incheon International Airport.

On December 14th, Mr. CW Lee, President & CEO of IIAC and Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline attended a ceremony at Gate 122 of Incheon International Airport to celebrate the inaugural service of the A380.

The A380 owned by Emirates Airline has 489 seats (14 First class seats, 76 Business class seats, 399 Economy seats), a spa, bar and other amenities for passengers. From December 14th, an Airbus A380 and Boeing B777 will alternately carry passengers on the Incheon-Dubai route. Starting from December 27th, the A380 will make 7 flights per week between Incheon and Dubai.

The introduction of the A380 will enhance Incheon International Airport's position as a global hub between Korea, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and other regions and further the growth in trade of electronics products between trading partners. In addition, the A380 is expected to play a contributing role in increasing the number of visitors to Korea in 2010, which is designated as Visit Korea 2010.

Mr. CW Lee, President & CEO of IIAC said, “The decision by Emirates to introduce the A380 in the Middle East route will make the Middle East, Africa and European countries more accessible to Asian travelers. We will constantly focus on making Incheon International Airport the most attractive airport to airlines.”