Korean Air Transforms Seven Airbus A350-1000 Orders into A350F Models
Korean Air has made significant updates to its aircraft orders, converting a total of seven Airbus A350-1000 aircraft ordered in 2024 into the upcoming A350F freighter, which is still awaiting certification.
Airbus announced this change on October 31, 2025. Initially, Korean Air had ordered 33 A350s back in April 2024, which has now been adjusted.
Last year, Korean Air placed an order for a mix of 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. Jason Yoo, the airline’s Chief Safety and Operating Officer, noted that these aircraft are a “great fit” for its global operations.
This revised order now includes 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs, and six A350-900s. So far, the airline has received the first two aircraft from this batch. Following the merger with Asiana, there were also outstanding orders for several A350 planes.
Korean Air’s status as one of the largest cargo operators globally was highlighted by Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP of Commercial Aircraft Sales. He stated that the inclusion of the A350F in Korean Air’s fleet is a significant endorsement of its capabilities. The A350F promises to provide an efficient solution within the large freighter segment.
The A350F, which is currently under development, boasts a maximum payload capacity of 111 tons and a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (approximately 8,700 kilometers).
In October 2025, Airbus confirmed that the A350F is expected to enter service by 2027, despite previous suggestions that this timeline may extend to 2028.
The company is actively working on obtaining type certification for the A350F from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
As of late September 2025, the A350 family has secured a total of 1,445 orders from 63 customers globally. Among these, 65 orders for the A350F come from 10 cargo carriers and one leasing company.
Equipped with advanced Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F is designed to achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions—potentially up to 40% lower compared to older models, while retaining similar payload and range capabilities.
Are you excited about the upcoming A350F and its impact on cargo operations?
Similar Posts
SAS Launches Fresh Uniforms for Crew Members
Scandinavian airline SAS has unveiled new uniforms for 2025, designed for around 9,000 employees. The uniforms emphasize modern design, functionality, inclusivity, and sustainability, reflecting Nordic aesthetics and SAS’s heritage. Design Director Kristine Mayer believes these uniforms will symbolize modern Scandinavia globally. This update coincides with SAS’s strategic shifts, including exiting restructuring and joining Air France-KLM and SkyTeam. The new uniforms feature gender-neutral options and allowances for personal expression, while using durable, recyclable materials to minimize environmental impact. The rollout begins in February 2025, marking a significant step in SAS’s evolution and identity.
United Airlines Slashes Flights to Canada Amid Tensions
United Airlines has announced major changes to its summer 2025 flight schedule, notably reducing flights to Canada. The airline has canceled its new Toronto to Los Angeles route and cut frequencies on existing Canadian routes, raising concerns about declining travel. Key reductions include fewer daily flights from Washington Dulles to Ottawa and Montreal. Domestically, United will introduce a daily Boeing 777-200 service to Las Vegas while replacing its San Diego route with Boeing 737s. Additionally, Air Canada is scaling back U.S. leisure flights, and Flair Airlines has halted service to Nashville, affecting tourism and travel plans.
SUM Air Expands Fleet with Order for Up to Eight ATR72-600 Aircraft
Korean Regional Airline SUM Air Orders ATR72-600 Aircraft Korean regional carrier…
Emirates Airline to Prohibit Power Banks Onboard Starting October 2025
DUBAI- Emirates Airline (EK), the flagship carrier of the UAE, is…
Two Injured on Qantas Flight from Sydney to Brisbane
On November 13, 2024, turbulence on Qantas flight QF528 from Sydney to Brisbane resulted in injuries to a woman in her 40s and a child under 10, both of whom required medical treatment for bruises and lacerations. The turbulence occurred at 35,000 feet due to clear air turbulence (CAT), with the seatbelt sign illuminated at the time. Despite the incident, the flight landed safely in Brisbane. A Qantas spokesperson emphasized the importance of following safety protocols. This incident follows a similar turbulence event on a Lufthansa flight that injured 11 passengers, highlighting ongoing concerns about air travel safety.
Airbus A321XLR Wins EASA Certification for Pratt & Whitney Engine
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified several high-thrust Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine models for the Airbus A321XLR and A321neo, following prior FAA approval. This certification enhances the aircraft’s performance in various conditions, including hot-day takeoffs and reduced go-around thrust, improving efficiency and fuel savings. EASA also certified two PW1127 engine variants for the A320neo, reinforcing Airbus’s commitment to fuel-efficient options. Airlines like Wizz Air are adopting these engines, reflecting a rising demand for efficient, high-thrust engines essential for optimizing long-haul operations in next-generation aircraft.