SEOUL- Korean Air (KE) is set to finalize a contract with Airbus to acquire 33 cutting-edge A350 family aircraft. This agreement comprises 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s, amounting to a total value of USD 13.7 billion.
The procurement of these aircraft will bolster the airline’s long-term fleet operations, serving as replacements for its ageing aircraft. Opting for the next-generation A350, renowned for its eco-friendly design, aligns with the airline’s commitment to sustainability and prepares for the integration of Asiana Airlines.
Korean Air Orders 33 A350s
The A350-1000 is the largest variant in the A350 family, accommodating between 350 to 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration. Leveraging advanced composite materials, this aircraft achieves significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, up to 25% compared to previous generation models of similar size.
Featuring the most extensive flight range among existing passenger aircraft, the A350-1000 boasts a capability of operating up to 16,000km with a full payload.
Comparatively, the A350-900 variant is approximately 7 meters shorter than its A350-1000 counterpart, offering a range of 15,370km. Typically accommodating 300-350 passengers in a three-class configuration, this variant is suitable for long-haul routes such as Seoul Incheon-New York, where Korean Air presently operates two daily flights.
Alongside the agreement to acquire 33 A350s, Korean Air intends to introduce an additional fleet comprising 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s.
Prioritizing fleet modernization and carbon emission reduction, the airline aims to achieve these goals by operating new aircraft and other sustainable initiatives.
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