Korean Air participated as a launch customer at the rollout ceremony for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the aircraft manufacturer's Everett facility near Seattle.

Aside from being a launch customer, Korean Air is also a supplier participating in the manufacturing of the superjumbo.

"The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will enhance Korean Air's fleet with its flexibility for both regional and long-haul operations," said YH Cho, Korean Air chairman and CEO. "The 787 will help us realize our goals of being one of the world's top 10 passenger airlines by 2010."

The "next generation" aircraft is made of composite materials instead of the aluminum normally used to manufacture aircraft, reducing the plane's total weight and saving up to 20 per cent more fuel than existing mid-range aircraft. The Dreamliner has two engines and is capable of flying more than 15,700 kilometers without refueling. It is also expected that the 787s will reduce maintenance expenses by up to 30 per cent.