(CercleFinance.com) – Korean Air has signed a contract with Airbus for the acquisition of 33 A350 family aircraft. The deal, which includes 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. It is valued at $13.7 billion.
‘The acquisition of the new generation A350 is not only part of the airlines’ sustainable development efforts, but is also seen as preparation for the integration of Asiana Airlines,’ the group said.
The A350-1000 is the largest aircraft in the A350 family and can accommodate 350 to 410 passengers in a standard configuration with three classes.
The aircraft uses advanced composite materials, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 25% compared to previous generation aircraft models of similar size.
Boasting the longest flight range among existing airliners, the A350-1000 can travel up to 16,000 km on a full charge.
The airline may deploy the aircraft on its long-haul routes such as Seoul Incheon-New York, where the airline currently operates two daily flights.
In addition to the agreement to purchase 33 A350s, Korean Air plans to acquire 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s and 30 Boeing 737-8s.