DALLAS — Korean Air (KE) has officially announced the addition of its first Airbus A350-900 to its next-generation aircraft fleet. This new aircraft will bolster KE’s reputation in the long-haul travel market.
The Korean flag carrier's A350 will have a maximum capacity of 311 passengers. It will be used on the airline’s existing domestic and international routes and potentially open new routes in the coming years.
A350 Routes, Cabin Configuration
- This week, the Airbus A350-900 will be deployed on double-daily flights between Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Osaka-Kansai (KIX), covering the popular route between South Korea and Japan.
- Once launched, the type will offer multiple daily flights from Seoul to Fukuoka (FUK) in Japan.
From March 2025, the A350-900 will be deployed to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Later this year, passengers can board the A350-900 to several large European cities, such as Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO), opening the airline’s route to more long-haul flights.
The A350-900 has an interior layout composed of two cabins:
- Business Class, also called Prestige Class, with 28 seats
- Economy Class with 283 seats
Korean Air aims to provide all passengers with a modern, comfortable flying experience, which aligns with its premium service promise.
Expertise Beyond Operations
Korean Air's involvement in the A350 program goes beyond operating the aircraft. Its Aerospace Division designs and manufactures key components, including the forward, aft, and bulk cargo doors. This has opened new doors for future orders and a potential partnership between Airbus and Korean Air.
Korean Air plans to expand its fleet of Airbus A350s, with 33 more orders pending. Of these, 27 are A350-1000s, and six are A350-900s. This first A350-900 is the first part of the large order placed by the airline in March 2024.
Korean Air has taken a significant step in fleet modernization to operate newer routes. Through its A350-900 deployment, KE focuses on introducing innovation, more efficiency, and a world-class passenger experience similar to what its Boeing 787-Dreamliners and Boeing 777-300ERs offer. Still, with the A350-900, the airline aims to take it further.
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February 2025
