Korean carrier Asiana Airlines has delayed the launch of its new Airbus A350 aircraft, citing the need to schedule for tests and perform maintenance work on the plane.
The rescheduling of the inaugural flight means that Hong Kong will no longer be the launch destination for Asiana’s first A350. The plane was initially scheduled to fly to Hong Kong starting May 9 followed by Manila starting May 10. The aircraft would then switch from serving Hong Kong to operating on Asiana’s Incheon-Osaka route starting June 15, with both the Manila and Osaka services ceasing A350 operations on August 13 ahead of the aircraft’s planned deployment to San Francisco and then London.
Under the revised schedule, Asiana’s debut A350 flight (OZ703/OZ704) will now depart for Manila on May 15, followed by Hong Kong (OZ721/OZ722) starting May 16.
No other changes have been announced for the rest of the A350’s previously planned schedule.
Travellers looking to fly on the airline’s debut A350 flight and who booked ahead of the announced schedule change, can request a refund or reissue from Asiana’s reservation centre or their travel agent.
Asiana took delivery of its first A350 last week, making it the 12th carrier to receive the aircraft. The carrier’s new Economy Smartium travel class is set to be debuted on the A350 and offers an increased seat pitch along with priority boarding and lounge access at Incheon Airport.
