Korean Air has become the latest operator to commit to Airbus’s new-generation A350F, converting seven of its existing A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders to the freighter variant.

The A350F – currently the world’s only all-new large freighter in development – is designed around the industry’s standard pallets and containers, featuring the largest main deck cargo door in its class.

More than 70% of its airframe is built from advanced materials, resulting in a take-off weight 46 tonnes lighter than its nearest rival.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft can carry up to 111 tonnes of payload across 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometres), while delivering up to 40% lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation freighters of similar range and payload.

It will also be the only freighter to fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO2 emissions standards, due to take effect in 2027.

As of September 2025, Airbus had secured 65 A350F orders from 10 cargo carriers and one lessor.

Korean Air’s latest order brings its total A350 commitments to 33 aircraft, comprising 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs, and six A350-900s, two of which have already been delivered. The airline also has 39 A321neos on order.

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

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