Korean Air announced on Thursday a new fleet expansion agreement with Airbus. The airline will sign a contract to purchase 33 A350 family aircraft, valued at $13.7 billion. The order includes 27 A350-1000s, the largest variant in the A350 family, and six A350-900s.
This move is seen as a way for Korean Air to bolster its long-term operations and prepare for the potential integration of Asiana Airlines. The A350s are known for their increased fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, aligning with Korean Air’s sustainability efforts.
The A350-1000 boasts a range of up to 16,000 kilometers with a full payload, making it ideal for long-haul routes. The A350-900, with a range of 15,370 kilometers, is suited for Korean Air’s existing long-haul routes like the Seoul-New York service, the airline said in a press release.
This order is part of a larger fleet renewal initiative by Korean Air. The airline also plans to introduce 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.
Facing regulatory headwinds, Korean Air hopes to complete its acquisition of Asiana this year, according to Air Cargo News. “Korean Air will be poised to stand shoulder to shoulder with global leading airlines. The merger will optimise our network and allow us to operate to new destinations, so that we may offer customers more choices,” the carrier’s CEO Walter Cho told employees in January.
