Asiana orders the A380

Korea’s Asiana Airlines has given Airbus a late Christmas gift with its signature of a firm order for six Airbus A380s.

Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2014, with the airline to place the aircraft into service on routes to Europe and US. An engine selection is expected in the near term.

“With the A380 Asiana will be able to take its award winning service to a new level, offering the very highest standards of comfort in the sky,” said Asiana Airlines president and CEO Yoon Young-Doo in a January 6 statement. “At the same time, the significantly reduced operating costs and fuel efficiencies afforded by the aircraft will enable us to enhance our productivity and reduce our carbon footprint. This is in line with our policy to operate one of the most modern and environmentally friendly fleets in the world.”

Rival Korean Air is due to place its first of 10 A380s into service in May.

With the Asiana deal, total firm orders for the A380 now stand at 240 from 18 customers.