Korean Air has unveiled its largest-ever aircraft order: a commitment to purchase 103 Boeing jets spanning long-haul, single-aisle, and freighter models. The mix includes 20 777‑9s, 25 787‑10s, 50 737‑10s, and eight 777‑8 freighters, all aimed at modernising the carrier’s fleet and facilitating its full integration with Asiana Airlines. Deliveries are expected to take place through to the end of the decade.
“This agreement with our long-standing partners…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,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes . Korean Air CEO Cho Won-tae added that the new jets—about half of which are 737 MAX 10s, with the remainder a blend of 777‑9s and 787s—will enable the airline to expand services to the U.S., Latin America, and South America, while replacing roughly 80 per cent of existing aircraft.
Economically, the deal represents roughly a US $36.5 billion aircraft order, accompanied by a separate $13.7 billion agreement with GE Aerospace for engines and servicing, taking the overall transaction to around US $50 billion . Boeing estimates that the agreement will sustain some 135,000 jobs across the U.S., underlining its strategic importance to the American aerospace sector.
Strategically, the order positions Korean Air to accelerate its fleet renewal and bolster long-haul and freighter operations in sync with the planned Asiana merger. It also marks Boeing’s largest widebody order from an Asian carrier to date.
Copyright: Boeing. Image copyright: Korean Air
