AIRBUS has announced it has a new customer for its A350 family.

Korean Air has made a firm order for 33 of the aircraft. The order covers 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s - the wings of which will be built at the Broughton plant. 

Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate any of the airline’s current intercontinental routes with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. The additional range of the A350 will also enable the carrier to evaluate new long haul destinations. 

“The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network,” said Jason Yoo, chief safety and operating officer and EVP at Korean Air.

“We are confident that the introduction of the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”

Benoit de Saint Exupéry, EVP Sales, commercial aircraft at Airbus, said: “This order from  Korean Air is another major endorsement for the A350 as the world’s long range leader.

"The airline will benefit from new levels of efficiency across its operations, with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The A350 will also be the perfect platform for the carrier to take its in-flight product and world class service to new heights. We thank Korean Air for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products, and look forward to seeing the A350 flying in the carrier’s iconic livery.”

The A350 family is the world’s most modern widebody product line and is firmly established as the world’s long range leader, with passenger versions able to fly up to 9,700 nm / 18,000 km non-stop.

Powered by latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the airframe uses 70 per cent advanced materials such as composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft. All of which results in an average reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of around 25 per cent compared with similar sized previous generation aircraft.

At the end of February, the A350 family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.