Korean Air Purchases 33 Aircraft Including Airbus A350-1000

Purchase of 27 Airbus A350-1000s
Longest range among current passenger aircraft
Securing aircraft ahead of Asiana integration

Korean Air announced on the 21st that it will purchase 33 Airbus medium-to-large aircraft of the A350 series.

The purchased models include 27 A350-1000s and 6 A350-900s, totaling $13.7 billion (approximately 18 trillion KRW).

Korean Air explained, "We are signing the purchase contract to secure the shortfall according to the mid-to-long-term fleet operation plan and to accelerate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management through eco-friendly aircraft."

This also signifies securing aircraft in preparation for strengthening competitiveness on mid- to long-haul routes and the integration with Asiana Airlines.

The A350-1000 is the largest aircraft in the A350 series. It has a seating capacity of 350 to 410 seats. More than half of the fuselage is made of carbon composite materials, which improves fuel efficiency compared to existing aircraft of the same class, reducing carbon emissions by about 25%.

The A350-1000 is the longest-range passenger aircraft currently in operation. It can fly over 16,000 km fully loaded with passengers and cargo. It is capable of direct flights between Incheon and Johannesburg (South Africa).

The A350-900 typically seats 300 to 350 passengers and can fly up to 15,370 km. It is capable of operating flights between Incheon and New York. It is about 7 meters shorter than the A350-1000.

Korean Air plans to accelerate the modernization of its aircraft to provide safe flight services and reduce carbon emissions.

Korean Air plans to introduce a total of 143 new aircraft in the future, including 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s.