Korean Air Leases A330-200 to Offset New Aircraft Delays
Korean Air has signed a dry-lease agreement with China Aircraft Leasing Group (CALC) for one Airbus A330-200, marking the airline’s return to the aircraft type just months after retiring it. The leased widebody arrived in March 2025 to help offset delays in the delivery of new aircraft.
Though Korean Air has not officially confirmed the aircraft’s identity, ch-aviation data indicates that the jet is B-6135 (msn 1096), a 15.1-year-old aircraft previously operated by China Southern Airlines. It flew from Guangzhou to Busan on March 12 and has remained inactive since. The aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, features 242 economy and 18 business class seats. Once re-registered in Korea, it is expected to become HL8707.
Local media outlet The Guru, citing a Korean Air official, reported that the lease is a temporary solution due to significant delays in new aircraft deliveries. The airline has yet to confirm specific routes or deployment timelines for the A330-200.
Korean Air had previously operated eight A330-200s, retiring the last one in October 2024. It continues to operate 20 A330-300s. The airline is currently managing a fleet shortage caused by manufacturing delays, prompting the continued use of its Airbus A380-800s and Boeing 747-8s.
CEO Won-Tae Cho stated that Korean Air is short around 20 aircraft per manufacturer. The airline awaits deliveries of 41 Airbus A321-200NXs, 4 A350-900s, 27 A350-1000s, 19 Boeing 737-8s, 9 Boeing 787-10s, and 6 Boeing 787-9s.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com