Key facts
- Korean Air finalized an order for 103 Boeing aircraft worth $36.2 billion.
- The order includes 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s, and eight 777-8 Freighters.
- The 787 is the only aircraft in the order currently certified for commercial service.
- The broader package is valued at $44.8 billion and includes spare engines and a maintenance agreement.
- The investment supports Korean Air's fleet expansion after integrating Asiana Airlines.
Korean Air has finalized a significant order for 103 Boeing aircraft, valued at $36.2 billion at list prices, the airline and the U.S. planemaker announced Wednesday. The deal, which was first announced in 2025, includes a mix of wide-body passenger jets, freighters, and single-aisle planes. Specifically, the order comprises 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s, and eight 777-8 Freighters. Only the 787 model is currently certified for commercial service, while the 777-8 Freighter is still under development by Boeing.
Aviation advisory firm IBA estimated the order's current market value, after discounts, to be around $12.6 billion. The comprehensive package, valued by Korean Air at $44.8 billion, also includes a $8.6 billion deal for 21 spare engines from GE Aerospace and CFM International, along with a 15-year engine maintenance agreement for 28 aircraft.
This investment is intended to support Korean Air's long-term fleet expansion, particularly following its integration of Asiana Airlines, and to enhance fuel efficiency by transitioning to newer aircraft models. The plan, described as the largest in Korean Air's history, was initially revealed during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's visit to Washington last year. Korean Air CEO Cho Won-tae stated that the new aircraft would facilitate expansion into more destinations in the United States and Latin America, with approximately 80% of the jets intended to replace existing fleet aircraft. Cho also highlighted the completion of the agreements as a significant milestone underscoring U.S.-South Korea ties, a sentiment echoed by Boeing, which noted the deal resulted from bilateral trade discussions.