Korean Air has officially commenced operations with its first two Airbus A350-900 aircraft, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation. These jets, delivered at the end of December 2024, have now entered commercial service, initially deployed on high-demand regional routes.
The new aircraft will operate twice-daily flights between Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Osaka Kansai (KIX), as well as once-daily flights to Fukuoka (FUK). This phased introduction allows Korean Air to integrate the aircraft into its network before deploying them on longer international routes. From March 2025, the A350-900 will begin operations to Taipei (TPE), followed by long-haul services to Madrid (MAD) and Rome (FCO) in the second half of the year.
Strengthening Fleet Strategy and Efficiency
The introduction of the A350-900 is part of Korean Air’s broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience. The airline placed an order for 33 Airbus A350s in March 2024, including six A350-900s and 27 A350-1000s. This move aligns with Korean Air’s ongoing integration with Asiana Airlines, a process set to be completed by 2026. Asiana already operates a significant fleet of A350-900s, meaning the combined airline will boast one of the world’s largest A350 fleets, streamlining maintenance and operational synergies.
The Korean Air-Asiana merger, finalised in December 2024, represents one of the most significant consolidations in South Korea’s aviation history. Korean Air acquired a 63.88% stake in Asiana for approximately $1.3 billion, making Asiana a subsidiary. The merger is expected to enhance Incheon International Airport’s global competitiveness and streamline route networks. Over the next two years, Asiana will continue operating independently before a full integration under the Korean Air brand.
To address antitrust concerns, Korean Air has agreed to transfer some European routes to T’way Air and divest Asiana’s cargo business to Air Incheon. Additionally, a combined frequent flyer programme is under review, with plans to integrate Asiana Club into Korean Air’s SKYPASS by mid-2025. These strategic adjustments aim to optimise fleet operations while maintaining market balance.
The A350 family offers improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, thanks to its lightweight composite structure and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. These aircraft consume up to 25% less fuel per seat compared to older models like the Boeing 777-200ER and 747-8I, reinforcing Korean Air’s commitment to sustainability and cost-effective operations.
Enhanced Passenger Experience Onboard the A350-900
Korean Air’s A350-900 is configured in a two-class layout, accommodating 311 passengers, with 28 Prestige Class seats (business class) and 283 economy class seats. The business class cabin features a 1-2-1 staggered layout, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger, while economy class follows a 3-3-3 configuration with ergonomic seating for enhanced comfort.
Despite the fleet upgrade, these first A350-900s feature Asiana’s existing Business Smartium seating rather than Korean Air’s newer Prestige Suites 2.0, which debuted on the Boeing 787-10. This decision was directly tied to the Korean Air-Asiana merger, as these A350-900s were originally intended for Asiana Airlines before the acquisition. Rather than delaying their entry into service for costly and time-consuming retrofitting, Korean Air opted to retain Asiana’s Business Smartium seats, reupholstering them to align with its branding. This approach ensured a faster fleet expansion while maintaining consistency across the existing A350-900 fleet operated by Asiana. However, passengers can expect to see Prestige Suites 2.0 on future aircraft deliveries and potential retrofits.
Additionally, both cabins are equipped with the Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, offering 18.5-inch screens in business class, ensuring a premium in-flight experience. However, the airline has yet to introduce premium economy, a product it has long considered but not yet implemented on newly delivered aircraft.
Future Expansion with the A350-1000
While the A350-900 is focused on replacing ageing aircraft, Korean Air’s 27 A350-1000s will serve as the airline’s new flagship long-haul aircraft. These larger variants, expected to arrive from 2026 onwards, will offer greater capacity and extended range, positioning Korean Air as a competitive force in the global aviation market.
As Korean Air continues to integrate Asiana and refine its fleet strategy, the A350s will play a pivotal role in the airline’s growth, balancing efficiency, passenger experience, and environmental responsibility. With the first of these aircraft now in the skies, the airline is set to strengthen its presence across key markets, from Asia to Europe, solidifying its position as a leader in long-haul travel.
