Korean Air is back in the black after seeing “a significant rebound” in international passenger traffic.
The airline saw net profits of £264.8m in 2010, compared to a loss of £175m in 2009. The turnaround followed a 6.5% growth in passenger numbers to 14.3 million and a good final quarter in which passenger figures grew 13%, mainly spurred by China, South East Asia and Japan.
Korean Air introduces the Airbus A380 into its fleet in June. Initial services will be to Japan and Hong Kong, but the aircraft will later be used on routes to Bangkok, New York and Los Angeles.
The airline said it was “optimistic” about 2011, particularly regarding its international passenger business.