Overview
- Airbus said on Oct. 31 that Korean Air converted seven A350-1000 orders to A350F freighters, joining the program as a new customer.
- The airline told ch-aviation the aircraft are part of a freighter modernization plan, with deliveries slated for the late 2020s.
- Following the conversion, Korean Air’s A350 backlog comprises four A350-900s, twenty A350-1000s and seven A350Fs, in addition to two -900s already delivered.
- Airbus highlights the A350F’s large main-deck cargo door, optimized fuselage and a structure using over 70% advanced materials, and claims a 46-tonne takeoff-weight advantage over its nearest rival.
- The manufacturer frames the type as a tool to meet 2027 ICAO CO₂ standards and reduce fuel burn, and an Airbus sales executive called Korean Air’s decision a significant endorsement.