On December 18, Asiana Airlines of South Korea celebrated the 100th aircraft to join its fleet by taking delivery of an A330-300 at Airbus' base in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the fifth A330 to be delivered to Asiana and the first to appear in the airline's bold, new livery. A further A330 is scheduled to join the fleet in 2007.

Asiana first introduced the A330 into its fleet in December 2004, the A330 gradually replacing older generation aircraft on the regional network. Asiana's A330s are configured in a two class arrangement of 30 business class / 260 economy class seats, and feature increased cabin comfort, cargo capacity and lower operating costs. The aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW 4000 engines.

Asiana first introduced Airbus aircraft into its fleet with the delivery of the first A321 in March 1998, and currently operates five A320s and eleven A321s alongside the growing fleet of A330s on both domestic and regional services.

"It has been eight wonderful years since Airbus aircraft have been operating on Asiana's routes. Since then, not only have we gained tremendous ground on short and mid range routes, but also on long-range routes as well. The delivery of the new livery A330 marks the celebration of the100th aircraft to join Asiana. None of these aspects could have been accomplished if it wasn't for the close cooperation with Airbus. I am sure that our fruitful relationship and close cooperation will continue in the future," said Mr Park Chan-bup, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Asiana Airlines.

"In less than 20 years, Asiana has grown rapidly to become a major force in the dynamic Asia-Pacific air transport industry, with a reputation for efficiency and outstanding passenger service. Airbus is delighted that the fleet of A320s, A321s and A330s have played a significant part in this success story and congratulates the airline on the delivery of its 100th aircraft today," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer - Customers, Airbus.

The A330's true wide body cabin is optimised for both flexibility and comfort, enabling airlines to offer all passengers the highest levels of comfort of any aircraft in its class. The A330 main deck volume is echoed in the lower deck, which allows airlines to carry more revenue-generating cargo consolidated on pallets and containers loaded side-by-side.

Since first delivery in 1993, the A330 Family has accumulated some eight million-flight hours with 65 operators. It continues as the most popular existing widebody medium to long range twin with unabated success. More than 170 A330s are operated by 19 airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.