Korean Air has confirmed an order for 33 Airbus A350s, becoming a new customer for one of the most powerful aircraft of its generation. Korean carrier orders 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s.
Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate all the airline's current intercontinental routes. In addition, by offering a 25 % reduction in fuel consumption. The aircraft will have lower carbon emissions than its predecessor. The extra range of the A350 will also enable the airline to consider new long-haul destinations.
" The A350's exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it perfectly suited to our global network." said Jason Yoo, Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVP at Korean Air. " We are convinced that the introduction of the A350 into our fleet will enable us to improve operational efficiency and enhance the travel experience for our passengers." .
A total of 143 new aircraft
This order completes modernising the carrier's fleetwhich is gradually withdrawing its oldest aircraft. In addition to the A350s, Korean Air to add 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s and 30 Boeing 737-8s to its fleet.
The A350-1000 is the largest aircraft in the A350 Family and can seat between 350 and 410 passengers. in standard three-class configuration. The aircraft uses advanced composite materials, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 25 % compared with similar-sized aircraft of the previous generation.
The A350-1000 has the longest range of all existing transport aircraft. It can travel up to 16,000 km with a full payload.
The A350-900 variant is around 7 metres shorter than the A350-1000, with a range of 15,370 km.. It can accommodate 300 to 350 passengers in a three-class configuration. The airline can deploy the aircraft on its long-haul routes such as Seoul-Incheon-New York, where it currently operates two daily flights.
Four new lines for the summer season
What's more, The launch of the summer season on 31 March means the addition of four new routes for Korean Air. Seoul-Incheon now has three weekly flights on Zurich since 2 April.
This will be followed on 23 April by the launch of three flights a week on Incheon-Zhangjiajie then on 24 of four flights a week to Zhengzhou. Both cities are in China. Finally, the airline is resuming its daily Busan-Bangkok on 25 April.
