Korean Air will operate an Airbus A380 to London in time for the 2012 London Olympics, its chief executive has confirmed.

The aircraft – which was meant to be in operation in time for the Beijing Olympics – would start flying from Seoul to London in time for the Games, chairman and CEO Yang Ho Cho confirmed.

Speaking today at the launch of a sponsorship of a multi-media guide at the British Museum, Cho said: “The UK market is important for Korean Air as London [Heathrow] is one of the most important hubs for Europe.

“We ordered 10 [A380] planes and we wanted to launch in time for the Beijing Olympics.

“We will operate them in the bigger markets and London is a big market.

“They will be on the London route in time for the 2012 London Olympics.”