2 minute read - 3rd April 2024
Airbus finalises order for 33 A350 planes with Korean Air
Korean Air has become a new customer for the Airbus A350 following the signature of a firm order for 33 aircraft. The order covers 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s.
Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate any of the airline’s current intercontinental routes, with the additional range of the A350 also enabling the carrier to evaluate new long haul destinations. Wings for these aircraft will be manufactured at the Airbus factory in Broughton. The aircraft will also be exclusively powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which are assembled and tested in Derby, and will deliver 25% lower CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.
Airbus has finalised a firm order with Korean Air for 33 A350 aircraft. Wings for these aircraft will be manufactured at the Airbus factory in Broughton and engines assembled at the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby / Picture: Airbus
The A350 family is the world’s most modern wide-body product line and is firmly established as the world’s long range leader, with passenger versions able to fly up to 9,700 nm / 18,000 km non-stop. Powered by latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the airframe uses 70% advanced materials such as composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft. All of which results in an average reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of around 25% compared with similar sized previous generation aircraft. At the end of February, the A350 family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.
Jason Yoo, chief safety and operating officer and EVP at Korean Air, said: “The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network. We are confident that the introduction of the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”
Benoit de Saint Exupéry, EVP sales for commercial aircraft at Airbus, added: “This order from Korean Air is another major endorsement for the A350 as the world’s long range leader. The airline will benefit from new levels of efficiency across its operations, with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The A350 will also be the perfect platform for the carrier to take its in-flight product and world class service to new heights. We thank Korean Air for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products, and look forward to seeing the A350 flying in the carrier’s iconic livery.”
