Korean Air announced today its intention to purchase 103 Next-Generation aircraft from Boeing, in a historic deal that will reshape its fleet and support its growth trajectory as it completes its merger with Asiana Airlines in the coming years.
The order is the largest ever for the South Korean airline and the largest widebody order from an Asian carrier for Boeing. According to the American company, the deal, when finalized, will support approximately 135,000 jobs in the United States.
The order package includes:
20 Boeing 777-9s
25 Boeing 787-10s
50 Boeing 737-10s
8 Boeing 777-8 Freighters
“This agreement marks a pivotal moment for Korean Air,” said Walter Cho, the airline’s president and CEO. “The acquisition of these new aircraft is at the core of our fleet modernization strategy, with a focus on fuel efficiency and passenger experience. It is also a key step in our integrated path with Asiana to ensure that the new airline will be one of the most competitive in the world.”
The agreement was signed at the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable, hosted by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan.
With these new commitments, Korean Air’s orders from Boeing through 2025 exceed 150 aircraft, following the order for 40 units (20 777-9 and 20 787-10) last March.
Boeing stressed that the partnership is further strengthened: “We are honored to deepen our strategic relationship with Korean Air through this landmark agreement,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The new aircraft at a glance:
Boeing 777-9: 426 passengers, 13,510 km range, 20% lower fuel consumption.
Boeing 787-10: up to 336 passengers, 11,730 km range
Boeing 737-10: up to 230 passengers, 5,740 km range, lower cost per seat than any other narrow-body aircraft.
Boeing 777-8 Freighter: the world’s largest twin-engine freighter, 30% better fuel efficiency.
Korean Air already has a fleet of 108 Boeing aircraft (737, 747, 777 and 787).
Korean Air’s Aerospace Division is already a supplier of components for the 787 Dreamliner and produces parts for the 737 MAX, 767 and 777 families.
This agreement is not only a commercial step but also a strategic milestone, as it is expected to affect the balance of power on the international aviation map, strengthening Korean Air’s position on the world stage.
