Korean Air won A380 “Top Operational Excellence” Award

Photo by Olav Groening / planespotters.net

Korean Air received the A380 “Top Operational Excellence” award for the second time at the Airbus Technical Symposium, which was held in Bangkok on 19 November.

Airbus Technical Symposiums are held every two years for each aircraft type and the “Top Operational Excellence” awards are considered the most prestigious for operators of Airbus aircraft. The winners are determined by a thorough evaluation of the overall performance of the shortlisted airlines, including the operational reliability (also known as on-time operation rate) and aircraft utilization.

Korean Air acquired its first A380 in June 2011 and was the first airline in Korea to operate the aircraft and the airline has recorded an impressive operational reliability of 99.7%, meaning only 0.3% of flights were delayed or cancelled between October 2012 and September 2014. Now operates a total of 155 aircraft including 10 A380s on the long-haul flights including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Paris.

The operational reliability is an international index that measures the accuracy of flight operations due to delays or defects, by the calculation of flights operated within 15 minutes from STD (scheduled time of departure). A higher measurement verifies the better operating capability of the airline and reflects the priority given to maintenance and safety management.

Configured in a three class layout with just 407 seats, the lowest configuration of any A380 operator so far, Korean Air’s double-decker A380s feature unique amenities with 12 First Class Kosmo Suites and 301 Economy Class seats on the lower deck and 94 fully lie-flat Prestige Sleeper seats in Prestige Class (business class) on the upper deck. Its ultra-luxurious and unique in-flight facilities, such as the world’s first “Duty Free Showcase” and the three bars and lounges, offer an innovative and highly enjoyable in-flight experience.