Korean Air has joined the list of A350F customers. The airline has converted seven of its Airbus A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders to the new freighter version. This move highlights its focus on efficiency and advanced cargo operations.
Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry called the decision a major endorsement. He said Korean Air’s choice confirms the A350F’s strong performance in the large freighter market. As one of the world’s biggest cargo operators, the airline’s backing gives weight to the aircraft’s appeal.
The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry. Its fuselage is designed around standard pallets and containers for maximum space. More than 70% of the airframe uses advanced materials, making it 46 tonnes lighter than rival models. It will also be the only freighter to meet ICAO’s new CO₂ standards from 2027.
Still under development, the A350F can carry up to 111 tonnes of cargo and will fly up to 4,700 nautical miles, or about 8,700 kilometres. The aircraft uses Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, cutting fuel burn and carbon emissions by up to 40% compared with older freighters.
By September 2025, Airbus had received 1,445 orders for its A350 family. These include 65 A350Fs from ten cargo airlines and one lessor. The figures show strong global demand for new-generation, fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft.
Korean Air now has 33 A350s on order. The total includes 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs and six A350-900s. The first two A350-900s have already been delivered. The airline also has 39 outstanding orders for A321neo aircraft, further strengthening its modern, sustainable fleet strategy.
