Asian air cargo gallops, pulled by e-commerce and post-pandemic supply chains
Seoul – Korean Air has announced a strategic conversion in its fleet: seven of the 27 A350-1000 passenger aircraft ordered from Airbus in April 2024 will be transformed into the A350F cargo variant. The move, confirmed by the European manufacturer, brings the total order to 33 aircraft: 20 A350-1000s, 6 A350-900s (two of which are already operational) and the seven new cargo “giants”. An adaptation to the expanding cargo market, where the carrier already controls around twenty Boeing 747 and 777Fs.
The A350F, the first cargo aircraft designed for post-2027 Icao environmental standards, promises record efficiency: up to 111 tonnes of cargo over 8,700 km, with a 40% cut in fuel consumption and Co2 emissions compared to the old 747-400Fs. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent Xwb-97 engines, it shares the airframe with the A350-1000, facilitating the transition.
“The addition of the A350F to Korean Air’s fleet is a recognition of its unique performance – commented Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus sales vice president –. It will bring the most efficient solution for large cargo carriers.” The announcement comes in the midst of the merger with Asiana Airlines, approved at the beginning of 2025, which will rationalize a mixed Airbus-Boeing fleet. Boeing itself secured an order for 103 aircraft worth 50 billion dollars at the end of August, including 8 777-8 Freighters.
Asian air cargo gallops, pulled by e-commerce and post-pandemic supply chains. Korean Air, with its hub in Incheon, aims to reduce its carbon footprint while strengthening its dominance over the Pacific. Airbus already has 65 A350F orders from 10 customers, including Air France-Klm (first in 2026) and Air China (up to 10 units announced on October 28th).
