Korean Air Places Record Order of 103 Boeing Jets to Modernize Fleet.

Korean Air has announced its largest-ever aircraft order, committing to purchase 103 Boeing jets in a landmark deal that will modernize its fleet and support the airline’s integration with Asiana Airlines. The agreement includes widebody and single-aisle aircraft designed to boost fuel efficiency and expand the carrier’s global network.

The commitment, revealed during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable, comprises 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and 8 Boeing 777-8 Freighters. Once finalized, it will be Boeing’s largest widebody order from an Asian carrier and is expected to support approximately 135,000 jobs across the United States.

Modernization Strategy and Merger Plans

Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air, described the order as a cornerstone of the airline’s modernization efforts:

“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 deal builds on Korean Air’s March 2025 order of 40 widebody jets, bringing its total Boeing commitments this year to more than 150 aircraft.

Aircraft Capabilities

The order includes some of Boeing’s most advanced models:

  • 777-9: Seats 426 passengers, range 13,510 km, with 20% lower fuel use than older jets.
  • 787-10: Capacity of up to 336 passengers, range 11,730 km.
  • 737-10: The largest 737 MAX, carrying up to 230 passengers with reduced fuel burn and the lowest cost per seat in the single-aisle category.
  • 777-8 Freighter: The world’s largest twin-engine freighter, offering 30% better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than older cargo aircraft.

Korean Air currently operates 108 Boeing jets and already has 72 on order. With the new commitment, its Boeing order book will rise to 175 aircraft.

Boeing’s Perspective

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, welcomed the 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 signing ceremony was attended by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan, underscoring the strategic significance of the deal for both countries.

What’s Next

The order highlights Korean Air’s ambition to position itself as a stronger, more competitive airline in Asia and globally, particularly as it moves toward full integration with Asiana Airlines. For Boeing, the deal strengthens its foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and reinforces the demand for fuel-efficient aircraft as airlines worldwide pursue sustainability goals.

Sources



Korean Air Boeing 777-300ER

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