Korean Air Takes Delivery of First Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental

Boeing and Korean Air have marked the delivery of the carrier's first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental.

The new fuel-efficient aircraft is the first one from an order of 10 747-8 passenger airplanes agreed by the carrier.
Walter Cho, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Korean Air said then new aircraft offer lower operating costs by having better fuel economy, adding: "That is important to a global airline such as ours."
"And it supports our aim to build and operate a world-class aircraft with a first-class fleet."

With this delivery, Korean Air is the first carrier worldwide to operate both the passenger and freighter versions of the 747-8. Currently, it has seven 747-8 Freighters in its fleet.

Ray Conner, president, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, declared: "Korean Air has been a valued Boeing customer for over 40 years and we are flattered to celebrate yet another milestone delivery together with their first 747-8 Intercontinental."
"As one of the few carriers that have operated almost all models in the 747 family, we are thrilled that Korean Air is keeping this tradition alive with the newest 747-8 Intercontinental.
"I firmly believe that the 747-8 will keep having an important role to play in Korean Air's success in the long run."

At the moment, Korea's flag carrier operates a fleet of 87 Boeing passenger airplanes that includes 737s, 747s and 777s.
The airline also has a cargo fleet comprising of all-Boeing aircraft: 28 747-400s, 747-8s and 777s Freighters.