Korean Air Places Record $36 Billion Order For 103 Boeing Aircraft
Korean Air has placed a record order for 103 Boeing aircraft, which the Seoul-based carrier has valued at more than $36 billion. The deal is part of a long-term fleet renewal plan that will extend deliveries well into the 2030s.
The deal involves four aircraft types, including Korean Air’s first order for the freighter version of Boeing’s next-generation 777X, which is known as the 777-8F.
The final agreement was signed at a ceremony at the White House on Monday, as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with President Trump.
The order is made up of:
- 20 Boeing 777-9s
- 25 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
- 50 Boeing 737-10s
- 8 Boeing 777-8Fs
Some of the aircraft will be used for fleet renewal at Asiana Airlines, which cleared a merger with Korean Air last December. The two carriers currently operate as separate entities, but there are plans to retire the Asiana brand in January 2027, creating a new mega airline.
In the long term, Korean Air plans to operate five aircraft families, mainly built around Boeing models – the 777, 787, and 737. European aircraft manufacturer Airbus will be represented through the A350 and A321neo families.
“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,” commented Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air.
“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.”
Earlier this year, Korean Air finalized a landmark order for up to 50 widebody Boeing airplanes, which include 20 Boeing 777-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, and options for 10 additional 787 Dreamliners.
The deal was originally announced at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow but was not finalized until March 2025. The order marks the first for Korean Air for the 777X.
