Korean Air is set to finalize a deal with Airbus for the acquisition of 33 cutting-edge A350 family aircraft. This contract consists of 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s, with a total worth of USD 13.7 billion. This procurement serves to bolster the airline's future fleet operations, gradually phasing out older aircraft. Embracing the next-generation, environmentally-conscious A350 aligns with the airline's sustainability objectives and prepares for the integration of Asiana Airlines.
The A350-1000, the largest variant in its family, boasts a seating capacity ranging from 350 to 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration. Leveraging advanced composite materials, this aircraft achieves remarkable reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, up to 25% compared to previous generation models of similar size.
With its exceptional flight range, the A350-1000 can cover distances of up to 16,000km with a full payload. Conversely, the A350-900, slightly shorter by approximately 7 meters, offers a range of 15,370km and typically accommodates 300-350 passengers across three classes. These aircraft are ideally suited for long-haul routes such as Seoul Incheon-New York, where the airline currently operates two daily flights.
In addition to the procurement of 33 A350s, Korean Air intends to introduce 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s. Prioritising fleet modernisation and carbon emissions reduction remains paramount, with the operation of new aircraft and other sustainability initiatives at the forefront of the airline's strategy.