Korean Air the latest to announce plans for A350 freighters

By Damian Brett Damian Brett 31 October 2025

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The South Korean carrier joins Air China Cargo in backing Airbus’s new generation freighter programme, with A350F offering a 111-ton capacity

Korean Air A350F

Korean Air A350F

Korean Air has become the second airline this week to announce its intention to order Airbus’s new generation A350 freighter aircraft.

Airbus today announced that the South Korean carrier has converted seven of an existing order for A350 passenger aircraft to the freighter model.

“Korean Air is one of the world’s largest cargo operators,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus executive vice president of sales.

“The decision to add the A350F to its fleet is therefore a very significant endorsement of the aircraft’s unique capabilities. The A350F will bring Korean Air the most efficient solution in the large freighter segment.”

The airline has already placed an order with Boeing for eight of its new generation Boeing 777-8Fs.

According to planespotters.net, the airline’s current freighter fleet is made up of four Boeing 747-400Fs, six 747-8Fs and 12 Boeing 777Fs.

The carrier is also in the process of merging with Asiana Airlines, a deal which saw Asiana offload its freighter business to Air Incheon as part of competition requirements to approve the deal.

It is the second customer announcement for the A350F programme this week.

On Wednesday, Air Cargo News revealed that Air China Cargo had plans to order as many as 10 A350 freighters as part of efforts to expand its fleet size.

The company said it planned to initially order six of the aircraft with an option for four more.

Airbus said the A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and has a range of 8,700 km.

 

“The aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability,” the aircraft manufacturer said.