Korean Air has signified its intention to “purchase 103 of Boeing’s fuel-efficient family of airplanes to modernize its fleet and support the carrier’s growth as it fully integrates operations with Asiana Airlines over the next several years”, according to Boeing.
The aircraft manufacturer says” Korean Air’s commitment will be the airline’s largest-ever order and Boeing’s largest widebody order from an Asian carrier. When finalized, the deal will mark Korean Air’s first order for the 777-8F and will support an estimated 135,000 jobs across the United States.”
When finalized, Boeing said, the order will include:20 of the 426-seater 777-9s; 25 787-10s, “the largest model in the 737 MAX family”; 50 737-10s and 8 777-8 Freighters. “This agreement with our long-standing partners, Boeing and GE, marks a pivotal moment for Korean Air,” said Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience across our global network. This investment is also a critical enabler for our future as a merged airline with Asiana, to ensure that our combined carrier is one of the most competitive airlines in the industry.”
The “agreement was signed during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable “Partnership for a Manufacturing Renaissance,” and presided over by Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Kim Jung-kwan, South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).
Furthermore, Boeing said “Korean Air’s orders and commitments for Boeing airplanes in 2025 surpasses 150 units, following the airline’s incremental order in March for 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s.
“We are honored to strengthen our partnership with Korean Air through this landmark agreement, which reflects the value and capabilities of Boeing’s market-leading airplane family,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.”
Korean Air currently operates 108 Boeing airplanes including 737s, 747s, 777s and 787s. With 72 Boeing jets on order; the carrier’s order book will grow to 175 airplanes once the deal is finalized.
Korean Air’s Aerospace Division supplies components for the 787 Dreamliner, including its unique raked wingtip, and produces parts for Boeing’s 737 MAX, 767 and 777 family of airplanes.