Airbus and Korean Air Celebrate 50 Years of Partnership

Airbus and Korean Air are commemorating a significant milestone: 50 years of partnership that began on September 5, 1974. This enduring collaboration started with Korean Air’s order of six Airbus A300B4 aircraft, marking the beginning of a robust relationship that has seen 95 Airbus aircraft delivered to the South Korean flag carrier.

Over the past five decades, Korean Air has operated nearly every Airbus model, including the A300B4, A300F4, A300-600R, A330-200, A330-300, A380, A220-300, and A321neo. This impressive array of aircraft underscores the depth of the partnership between the two aviation giants.

Looking ahead, the partnership is set to continue with substantial new orders. Korean Air has placed orders for 39 additional A321neo single-aisle aircraft and 33 A350 jets, including 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. These new orders highlight the ongoing commitment to advancing both companies’ goals and reinforcing their strategic alliance.

Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, remarked on the significance of the partnership. “As our first customer from outside Europe, Korean Air played a crucial role in establishing Airbus on the global stage. Our enduring relationship reflects our shared values of innovation, technical excellence, and customer satisfaction. The new order for the A350 is a fitting way to celebrate our 50-year journey together and will play a vital role in Korean Air’s continued growth as a leading global airline.”

Scherer further expressed gratitude: “We thank Korean Air for its long-standing trust in Airbus and look forward to our continued collaboration, shaping the future of aviation together.”

Korean Air’s initial order in September 1974 marked Airbus’ third major order and its first from outside Europe, following Air France and Iberia. This early commitment was instrumental in establishing Airbus as a significant player in the global aviation market.

Beyond its role as a customer, Korean Air has also contributed to Airbus’s supply chain through its Aerospace Business Division (KAL-ASD). KAL-ASD manufactures composite cargo doors for the A350, Sharklet wingtip devices for the A320 family, and fuselage skin panels for the A330 and A330neo models.

Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air, highlighted the value of the partnership: “Our 50-year journey with Airbus demonstrates the power of collaboration in aviation. As Airbus’s first customer outside Europe, our early commitment helped establish Airbus as a global aviation leader. In return, Airbus has consistently provided us with advanced aircraft that have been crucial in our development into a leading global airline. From our first A300 to the latest A350 order, Airbus has been a key partner in our mission to connect the world.”

The milestone of 50 years not only celebrates a remarkable partnership but also signifies a shared vision for the future of aviation, driven by innovation, reliability, and mutual success.