Friday, March 22, 2024
Korean Air is set to finalize a contract with Airbus for the acquisition of 33 cutting-edge A350 family aircraft. This comprehensive agreement comprises 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s, totaling a substantial value of USD 13.7 billion.
This procurement aligns with the airline’s strategic vision for its long-term fleet management, aimed at gradually phasing out older aircraft. The selection of the next-generation, environmentally conscious A350 not only underscores Korean Air’s commitment to sustainability but also serves as groundwork for the integration of Asiana Airlines.
The A350-1000, the largest member of the A350 series, boasts a capacity ranging from 350 to 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration. Leveraging advanced composite materials, this aircraft achieves remarkable reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, up to 25% compared to previous generation models of similar size.
With an unparalleled flight range among current passenger aircraft, the A350-1000 can cover distances of up to 16,000km with a full payload.
In contrast, the A350-900 variant, slightly shorter by approximately 7 meters than its counterpart, offers a range of 15,370km and typically accommodates 300-350 passengers across three classes. Korean Air intends to deploy this model primarily on its extensive long-haul routes, such as Seoul Incheon-New York, where the airline presently operates two daily flights.
Alongside the procurement of the 33 A350s, Korean Air is also planning to introduce a fleet comprising 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s. This strategic move underscores the airline’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its fleet and reducing carbon emissions through the utilization of new aircraft and other sustainability initiatives.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
