Korean Air confirms order for 33 Airbus aircraft

Korean Air has agreed to purchase 33 Airbus aircraft in a deal worth $13.7 billion, the carrier announced on Thursday (22 March).

The order includes 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s and is “not only aligned with the airline’s sustainability efforts, but also is seen as preparation for the integration of Asiana Airlines.” 

Korean Air is awaiting approval from the US of its acquisition of Asiana, first announced in 2020. The US regulator is the last of the 14 regulatory authorities required to complete the deal. The European Commission approved it in February after ‘remedy’ slots were given to low-cost Korean carrier T’way Air to launch four new European routes.

The A350-1000 is the largest plane in the A350 family, can accommodate 350 to 410 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a range of about 16,000 kilometres, according to Korean Air. The A350-900 seats 300 to 350 passengers in a three-class layout and has a range of 15,370 kilometres.

On the same day, Japan Airlines announced a similar deal to purchase 32 aircraft from Airbus as well as ten 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from Boeing as part of a fleet renewal programme.

The Airbus order includes 21 widebody A350-900 and 11 narrowbody A321neo aircraft. 

The carrier expects to begin scheduling the first of the new Airbus A350-900 planes for domestic use in its 2025 fiscal year, with the remaining 20 planned for international service from its 2027 fiscal year. The A321neos will be used on domestic routes beginning in its 2028 fiscal year. The Dreamliners will be used on international routes from fiscal year 2027, according to the carrier.