Korean Air has announced plans to buy 103 Boeing aircraft in what will be the largest order in the airline’s history, as it prepares to merge operations with Asiana Airlines.
The deal, revealed at a Korea-U.S. business roundtable in Washington, includes 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s and eight 777-8 freighters. Once finalised, it will also mark Korean Air’s first order for the 777-8F.
Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air, said the move was central to the airline’s long-term fleet strategy.
“Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernisation strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience across our global network,” he said. “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.”
Korean Air already placed an order in March for 40 Boeing widebody jets, meaning its 2025 commitments have now passed 150 aircraft. The airline currently operates 108 Boeing planes.
The agreement was signed in the presence of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Kim Jung-kwan.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said:
“We are honoured to strengthen our partnership with Korean Air through this landmark agreement. As Korean Air transitions to a larger unified carrier, we are committed to supporting the airline’s growth with one of the world’s most efficient fleets.”
The aircraft on order are expected to bring fuel savings and expanded capacity:
- The 777-9 can carry 426 passengers over 13,510 km.
- The 787-10 can carry 336 passengers with a range of 11,730 km.
- The 737-10, the largest version of the 737 MAX family, can seat up to 230 passengers and fly up to 5,740 km.
- The 777-8 Freighter will be capable of carrying the highest payload of any twin-engine freighter, with a 30% efficiency improvement over older aircraft.
Once finalised, Korean Air’s order book will grow to 175 aircraft. The airline’s aerospace division also supplies Boeing with parts for several models, including the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX.
