Asiana Airlines will begin operating the A380 on routes to Japan and Southeast Asia in June 2014, and expand to the Americas by the end of July.
On the 10th, Asiana Airlines President Kim Soo-cheon outlined the A380's route plan and differentiation strategy at a press conference held at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Seoul.
Asiana Airlines plans to introduce two A380 aircraft in 2014 and aims to deploy them on the LA route starting July 30 to strengthen competitiveness by increasing the number of medium- to long-haul routes. Prior to that, the A380 will be operated on shorter routes such as Tokyo Narita, Osaka, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, Thailand, beginning in early June.
At the press conference, President Kim Soo-cheon explained that the A380’s differentiation strategy mainly lies in maximizing seat utilization and offering the most premium luxury seating. The newly introduced A380 is equipped with 12 first-class seats, 66 business class seats, and 417 economy class seats, featuring a design that meets the needs of passengers in different cabins to maximize seat utilization.
Additionally, as part of the differentiation strategy, Asiana Airlines will further upgrade its premium seats, such as the First Suite (luxury first-class suite) and Business Smartium (premium business class), to offer passengers the highest level of luxury. The First Suite (luxury first-class suite) offers more comfortable movement space (83 inches) by expanding the cabin area and includes a 32-inch display. An induction oven is also installed in the aisle to conveniently serve in-flight meals.
The Business Smartium (premium business class) maximizes space efficiency by expanding storage areas such as magazine racks. Seats designed ergonomically to reduce physical constraints will also be introduced. In addition, new fitness equipment and changing facilities have been added to first and business class, providing an environment where passengers on long flights can engage in light exercise.
Asiana Airlines President Kim Soo-cheon stated, “In an environment of growing demand, Asiana Airlines will enhance competitiveness by deploying the A380 on increasingly competitive Asia-Pacific routes,” and added, “We will strengthen our sales capabilities by introducing the A380 on routes from China, via Korea, to the Americas.”