Korean Air has taken delivery of the first of a fleet of ten 747-8 Intercontinental passenger planes. The carrier is the first airline in the world to operate both the passenger and freighter versions of the 747-8.
Korean Air currently operates seven 747-8 freighters. Its 28-strong cargo fleet also includes 747-400, 747-8 and 777 freighters.
The 747-8 Intercontinental offers 16% saving in fuel consumption and emissions over its predecessor, the 747-400, while generating 30% less noise.
At a ceremony to mark the plane’s handover, Korean Air’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Walter Cho, said: “This new aircraft delivers better fuel economy. That is important to a global airline such as ours. And it supports our goal to build and operate a first-class fleet of world-class aircraft."
President and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Ray Conner, added: "As one of the few airlines that have operated almost all models of the 747 family, we are excited that Korean Air is extending the tradition with our newest 747-8 Intercontinental. I am confident that the 747-8 will continue to play an important role in Korean Air's long-term success."
