Korean Air (KE) has officially joined the growing list of airlines investing in the future of sustainable air cargo, converting seven of its existing Airbus A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders into Airbus A350F freighters. This move makes the South Korean flag carrier the latest customer of the world’s only all-new large freighter aircraft currently in development.
Airbus Executive Vice President for Commercial Aircraft Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry welcomed the airline’s decision, calling it a major endorsement of the A350F’s design and efficiency.
The A350F stands out as a next-generation cargo aircraft, offering advanced efficiency, sustainability, and performance advantages over its competitors. It features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry and a fuselage optimized for the use of standard cargo pallets and containers. Over 70% of the aircraft’s structure is composed of advanced lightweight materials, allowing for a take-off weight that is 46 tonnes lighter than other freighters in the same class.
The A350F is also set to become the first freighter fully compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, which will take effect in 2027. This positions the aircraft as a frontrunner in reducing the environmental impact of air cargo operations.
Capable of carrying up to 111 tonnes of payload and flying distances of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers), the A350F is powered by Rolls-Royce’s state-of-the-art Trent XWB-97 engines. This configuration enables a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions by as much as 40% compared to older-generation freighters with similar payload and range capabilities.
As of September 2025, Airbus has recorded 1,445 total orders for the A350 family from 63 customers worldwide, including 65 units of the A350F from 10 major cargo airlines and one aircraft lessor.
For Korean Air, the fleet modernization plan underscores its commitment to efficiency and sustainability. The airline now holds orders for 33 A350 aircraft in total: 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs, and six A350-900s, with two A350-900s already delivered. Additionally, Korean Air has 39 A321neo single-aisle aircraft on order, reflecting its strategic focus on operating a versatile and environmentally responsible fleet.
With the A350F, Korean Air is set to strengthen its position as a global cargo powerhouse while contributing to a greener future for air freight.