Korean Air Becomes New Airbus A350F Customer
Korean Air has taken a strategic step for its cargo division by becoming a new customer for the Airbus A350F. The airline converted seven existing orders for the A350-1000 model into the freighter version, thereby reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading cargo operators.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Airbus’ commercial aircraft division, highlighted the importance of this decision: “Korean Air is one of the largest cargo operators in the world. The addition of the A350F represents a very significant endorsement of the aircraft’s unique capabilities. This model will provide Korean Air with the most efficient solution in the large freighter segment.”
The A350F features the industry’s largest main cargo door and a fuselage optimized to accommodate the standard pallets and containers used in air freight. Over 70% of the aircraft’s structure is made from advanced materials, resulting in a maximum takeoff weight that is 46 tonnes lighter than its closest competitor.
→ Airbus Forecasts 45% Growth in Global Freighter Fleet by 2044
Furthermore, this model is the only freighter designed to fully comply with the upcoming, more stringent ICAO CO₂ emissions standards, which will come into effect in 2027.
Currently under development, the A350F will be capable of carrying up to 111 tonnes of payload and achieving a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers). Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it will offer a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% compared to previous-generation models with similar capabilities.
As of the end of September 2025, the A350 family had accumulated 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, of which 65 are for the A350F model, acquired by 10 cargo airlines and one lessor.
Korean Air has ordered a total of 33 A350 aircraft, comprising 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs, and six A350-900s, two of which have already been delivered. The company also has pending orders for 39 A321neo aircraft, strengthening its single-aisle fleet with state-of-the-art technology.
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