Korean Air becomes new customer for Airbus A350F

Korean Air has joined the list of A350F operators by converting seven of its existing A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders into the freighter version, becoming a new customer for the world’s only all-new large freighter.

“Korean Air is one of the world’s largest cargo operators,” says Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “The decision to add the A350F to its fleet is therefore a very significant endorsement of the aircraft’s unique capabilities. The A350F will bring Korean Air the most efficient solution in the large freighter segment.”

The A350F is designed with the largest main deck cargo door in the industry and a fuselage optimised for standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of its airframe is built from advanced materials, making it 46 tonnes lighter at take-off than competing models. It is also the only freighter fully compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, set to take effect in 2027.

Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and will fly up to 4,700 nautical miles / 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.

At the end of September 2025, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 65 for the all-new A350F from 10 cargo carriers and one lessor.

Korean Air has ordered a total of 33 A350 aircraft. This now comprises 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs, and six A350-900s, of which the first two have already been delivered. In addition, the carrier has outstanding orders for 39 A321neo single aisle aircraft.