A380 successfully makes first flight to Korea

Emirates, the award-winning international airline, celebrated the A380’s first flight to North East Asia with its arrival at Incheon International Airport in Seoul last week.

The new service demonstrates Emirates’ investment in the Korean economy, supporting its “Visit Korea Year” in 2010. The flight will operate initially on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, advancing to a daily operation starting December 27th.

Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airlines, was on board the flight and stated: “Emirates is delighted to launch Korea’s first A380 service. Air transportation is a key facilitator of economic growth. Since the launch of Emirates services to Seoul in 2005, we have stimulated the flow of business and leisure traffic to and from Korea. Our flights have connected Korea to potential and emerging Middle East and African markets thus creating new business opportunities. Our services have also served the needs of over 70,000 Korean corporate travelers and holiday-makers visiting the UAE annually.”

Emirates A380 operation will support the Korean government’s drive to make Incheon International Airport a major Asian hub. Seoul is Emirates sixth A380 destination and precedes the airline’s scheduled A380 operations to Paris on December 29, 2009. Currently its A380s fleet operates service to London, Sydney, Auckland, Bangkok and Toronto.

Emirates’ A380 represents the latest innovation and technology from a company recognized internationally for its in-flight amenities and services. Unique to the Emirates aircraft are its Shower Spas – two fully-equipped bathrooms in the First class cabin with shower facilities. Emirates’ A380 ground-breaking in-flight product also features an Onboard Lounge for First and Business class passengers, which includes a bar with a wide range of beverages and canapés and an exclusive space to socialize and relax.

First class passengers can relax in flat-bed, massage-equipped suites while Business class passengers enjoy a new generation of intelligent, flat-bed seating designed to ensure all seats have aisle access. Passengers in Economy will appreciate the straight walls throughout the cabin that lend to a more spacious ambiance, enhanced further by generous seats and wider aisles.

Emirates flight EK 322 (14 First, 76 Business, 427 Economy class seats) departs Dubai at 3:00 am, arriving in Seoul at 4:00pm hours. It turns around as EK 323 departing Seoul at 11:55 p.m. and arrives in Dubai at 5:05am.