Korean Air (KE, Seoul Incheon) has placed a firm order for thirty-three Airbus widebodies, including twenty-seven A350-1000s and six A350-900s, according to an April 2 statement from the OEM.
“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,” said Jason Yoo, executive vice president and chief safety and operating officer at the flag carrier.
ch-aviation flagged the deal in March, saying the new widebodies would be used to replace existing aging aircraft on long-haul routes, aligning with the airline's long-term aircraft plan. However, Korean Air told ch-aviation it was unable to disclose A350 delivery timeline details.
Korean Air does not presently operate the A350 type. However, its prospective merger partner, Asiana Airlines (OZ, Seoul Incheon), does, with fifteen A350-900s in its fleet and another 15 on order. Korean Air operates 14 aircraft types across its passenger-configured fleet. Its widebody fleet includes five A330-200s, twenty-one A330-300s, ten A380-800s, nine B747-8s, eight B777-200ERs, four B777-300s, twenty-five B777-300ERs, and thirteen B787-9s. Aside from the new A350 order, Korean Air has another seven B787-9s and twenty B787-10s on order. The airline's executives have previously spoken about a desire to simplify the fleet mix.
