By Kim Yoo-chul

yckim@ktimes.co.kr

Samsung Electronics said Wednesday it expects the sales of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge phones to breach the 70-million mark.

"The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are drawing positive responses. I have no doubt that they will be the biggest-sellers in the Galaxy series ever," an executive said ahead of his participation in a weekly meeting with presidents of Samsung affiliates at the company's Seocho headquarters in southern Seoul, Wednesday.

Asked about sales estimation, he said, "We expect 70 million plus."

The company's Vice Chairman Kwon Oh-hyun echoed his projection, saying; "The S6 should do well. The first week looks impressive."

The new Galaxy series have been available through retail channels in key Samsung target markets since April 10. Samsung received a record high 20 million pre-orders.

Company officials said key retailers have informed them that initial stock of the two handsets sold out within hours of their availability.

"We are back on track," said another Samsung executive after the meeting.

The company lost the world's largest smartphone manufacturer status to its chief rival Apple in the fourth quarter of last year after staying on top for three straight years.

Samsung lost customers to the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus.