By adding cutting-edge aircraft and new routes, Korean Air aims to become one of the world's top 10 airlines by 2015 in terms of passenger flights. Cho Yang-ho, the chairman of Hanjin Group, told a press conference on Sep. 6 that Korean Air will also become one of the most sought-after global airlines.

The press conference was held to coincide with a test flight of a new Airbus A380, the largest passenger jet in the world. Called a "flying five-star hotel", the jet is 72.7 m long, 79.8 m wide and 24.1 m high. Chairman Cho joined 400 guests on the flight.

Korean Air plans to acquire five of the super-jumbos from 2010 and deploy them on long-haul routes to major cities in North America and Europe. The airline also plans to put 10 Boeing 787 jets on new long-haul routes to South America and Africa.

"We're considering launching flights to many places, such as South Africa, Brazil and Xi'an in China," Cho said. Korean Air currently ranks first in international cargo flights and 17th in international passenger flights.

The U.S. Justice Department recently fined Korean Air US$300 million for price-fixing and the airline is now facing a class-action law suit over the matter. Cho said the airline is training its staff to ensure it never happens again.

Photograph: Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho prepares for a trial flight of the new Airbus A380 on Sep. 6.