Air TransportKorean Air Converts Seven Orders of A350-1000 to Airbus A350F
Korean Air has converted seven orders for A350-1000 passenger aircraft to the A350F freighter, becoming a new customer for the cargo variant as announced by Airbus.
The choice of the new Airbus jet comes amid order disputes between the manufacturer and Boeing, which has also secured numerous orders with Korean Air.
The new cargo aircraft probably will replace part of the fleet that includes 12 Boeing 777Fs, seven 747-8F, and four 747-400Fs, alongside other types.
“Korean Air is one of the world’s largest cargo operators. 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,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.
The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry and is designed to accommodate standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of its structure uses advanced materials, resulting in a takeoff weight 46 tonnes lighter than comparable aircraft.
With a maximum payload of 111 tonnes and a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), the A350F meets ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emissions standards. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines enable up to 40% reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation freighters.
As of September 2025, Airbus had secured 65 orders for the A350F from its total 1,445 A350-family orders across 63 customers. Korean Air’s current A350 order book includes 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs, and six A350-900s, with the first two A350-1000s already delivered.
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