Asiana converts A350 to freighter, promotes A380 scenic flights

Asiana Airlines has commenced operations with an Airbus A350-900 partially retrofitted as a maindeck freighter, as it plans scenic flights with its grounded A380s. The A350 renovation work involved removing 283 economy class seats and installing a steel panel on the floor “to ensure safety”, says the carrier. The company attributed the decision to boosting profitability amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has badly hit passenger traffic. The modification allows for an additional 5t of cargo to be carried, bringing the A350’s total cargo load to 23t, says the carrier. It adds that this is the first time an A350 has been converted for freighter work. The modified jet had its first flight on 23 September, flying 20t of IT equipment and electrical parts on the Seoul Incheon-Los Angeles route. In addition, the airline says it has modified a pair of Boeing 777-200ERs to allow them to carry freight in the passenger cabin.<br/>