Korean Air has become Airbus's latest A350F customer after converting seven of its existing A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders to the large freighter.
The flag carrier has now ordered a total of 33 A350 aircraft, comprised of 20 A350-1000s, six A350-900s (two of which have already been delivered), and seven A350Fs.
In addition, Korean Air has outstanding orders for 39 A321neo narrowbody aircraft.
Airbus said the A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised to the industry’s standard pallets and containers.
Though currently still under development, the A350F will carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and fly up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700km).
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.
Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative.
The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet the enhanced CO₂ emissions standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), coming into effect in 2027.