The latest addition to the Korean Air fleet, the eagerly anticipated A380, is pictured taking to the skies for its final phase of flight tests before going into service. The flight and ground tests are being carried out from the Airbus facility in Hamburg , where the aircraft has undergone painting and full cabin furnishing before flying to Toulouse  for the delivery ceremony. Korean Air will become the sixth operator of the A380 when it begins flying the aircraft in June.

During the tests all cabin systems will be thoroughly tested, including air flow and air conditioning, lighting, galleys, washrooms, seats and in-flight entertainment. Korean Air’s A380 is one of the most spacious in the industry. The airline’s A380 will have a total of only 407 seats: 12 ultra luxurious First Class suites and 301 Economy Class seats on the lower deck with the whole of the upper deck devoted to the business traveller with 94 spacious ’Prestige’ class seats.

Korean Air has ordered ten A380 aircraft with the first five to be delivered by the end of 2011 and an additional five by 2014. The carrier will initially operate the A380 from Seoul  to destinations in Asia, followed by non-stop long-haul services to North America and Europe .