Korean Air has announced a significant procurement agreement with Airbus, involving the purchase of 33 advanced A350 family aircraft. The order encompasses 27 units of the A350-1000 model and six of the A350-900 model, with the contract valued at USD 13.7 billion.
This strategic acquisition is aimed at enhancing the airline’s long-term fleet operations by replacing older aircraft with the next-generation, eco-friendly A350s.
The move is part of Korean Air’s sustainability initiatives and is also in anticipation of the forthcoming integration with Asiana Airlines.
The A350-1000: Leading in Size and Sustainability
The A350-1000, recognized as the largest variant within the A350 family, is designed to seat between 350 and 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration. Thanks to its use of advanced composite materials, the aircraft boasts a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 25% compared to previous generation models of similar size.
It also holds the title for the longest flight range among current passenger aircraft, capable of flying up to 16,000km with a full payload.
The A350-900: Tailored for Long-Haul Excellence
The smaller A350-900 variant, which is approximately 7 meters shorter than the A350-1000, offers a range of 15,370km and typically accommodates 300-350 passengers. Korean Air plans to utilize this model for long-haul routes, such as the Seoul Incheon-New York service, where it currently operates two daily flights.
Beyond the A350 family, Korean Air’s future fleet expansion includes the introduction of 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s.
The airline is committed to fleet modernization and reducing carbon emissions through the deployment of new, more sustainable aircraft and other environmental initiatives.