World's first Airbus A350 Preighter belongs to Asiana
Romain Guillot
 le 08/10/2020 , Maintenance aéronautique
Asiana Airlines has converted one of its ten A350-900s into an auxiliary cargo aircraft, a world first. The 283 economy class seats were removed, bringing the aircraft's total cargo capacity to 23 tonnes (+5 tonnes).
This solution, packaged as an Airbus Service Bulletin (SB), SB 25-P170, was developed in close cooperation between the european aircraft manufacturer, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Korean airline (read the article: Focus on the Airbus solution to convert passenger aircraft into auxiliary freighters).
"We took the decision for aircraft modification after a close review of its capability to secure safety and increase profitability. Cargo sales have become a big part of the airline's business during the COVID-19 situation, and we will carry out various efforts for the segment" said Kim Kwang-seok, Senior Executive Vice President of Cargo Business at Asiana.
The aircraft was deployed at the end of September on the route connecting Seoul Incheon to Los Angeles, transporting IT and electronic equipment, as well as e-commerce exports such as clothing. The first A350 Preighter will also operate on other routes, and in particular to Ho Chi Minh City.
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