Korean Air has converted seven of its A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders to the A350F, making it the latest airline to commit to Airbus's new-generation freighter.

"Korean Air is one of the world's largest cargo operators," said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of 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."

The A350F includes a main deck cargo door sized to accommodate standard industry pallets and containers, with its fuselage length and volume tailored for freight operations.

More than 70% of the airframe uses advanced materials, contributing to a take-off weight that’s 46 tonnes lighter than comparable models. It’s also the only freighter currently designed to meet ICAO’s stricter CO₂ emissions standards set for 2027.

Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and will fly up to 4,700 nautical miles/8,700 kilometres.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.

At the end of September 2025, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 65 for the all-new A350F from 10  cargo carriers and one lessor.

Korean Air has ordered a total of 33 A350 aircraft. This now comprises 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs and six A350-900s, of which the first two have already been delivered. In addition, the carrier has outstanding orders for 39 A321neo single aisle aircraft.