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.”

British Airways and Korean Air both officially pleaded guilty to price-fixing charges yesterday in a US federal court, which levied a fine of $300 million against each.

The carriers previously had agreed to pay that amount in an accord with the Dept. of Justice as part of the ongoing investigation into antitrust violations by airlines around the world relating to illegal cooperation on setting surcharges. The probe, which is being conducted jointly with authorities in other countries, first focused on cargo but later evolved to include passenger flights as well.

The presiding judge could have levied about $150 million more in fines to each airline under sentencing guidelines. But while noting the “seriousness of these charges,” he said the carriers had been cooperative in the investigation and did not warrant the highest penalty.

While not naming additional airlines, the judge said that BA and KE provided information that could lead “to the implication of other carriers.” DOJ said in statement that its antitrust division “is actively continuing its investigation into the air transportation industry.” Qantas earlier this month set aside $40 million “to cover a potential fine that may be imposed” by DOJ.

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