Two weeks after Korean Air first announced the purchase of 33 Airbus A350 widebody jets the order has been officially finalized.
On April 2, 2024, the European aircraft manufacturer announced that the paperwork had been signed confirming a firm order for 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s.
“The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network,” Jason Yoo, Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVP at Korean Air, said. “We are confident that the introduction of the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”
The larger A350-1000 aircraft will be deployed on Korean Air’s long-haul operations while the smaller A350-900 will be primarily used on the on the twice-daily route between Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul, and John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), New York.
“This order from Korean Air is another major endorsement for the A350 as the world’s long-range leader. The airline will benefit from new levels of efficiency across its operations, with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The A350 will also be the perfect platform for the carrier to take its in-flight product and world class service to new heights,” said Benoit de Saint Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.
He added: “We thank Korean Air for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products and look forward to seeing the A350 flying in the carrier’s iconic livery.”
대한항공에 감사드립니다! Thank you @KoreanAir_KE for choosing the #A350 #LongRangeLeader!
— Airbus (@Airbus) March 21, 2024
With the news that it will order 33 A350s, the airline has become the latest customer for the aircraft that is changing the shape of long-haul air travel. pic.twitter.com/2OeoSVtdKQ
Although Korean Air does not currently operate the A350, it is currently in the process of integrating with its former competitor Asiana Airlines, which does operate a fleet of 15 A350-900s.
Asiana also had six additional A350-900s and nine A350-1000s on order.
The new deal is part of a broader fleet renewal plan that will see Korean Air adding up to 110 additional new aircraft in the coming years.
In addition to the A350s, the Korean flag carrier will also receive 50 Airbus A321neos, as well as 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s.
At the end of February 2024, the A350 family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.