Korean Air Places Record Order for 103 Boeing Jets to Modernize Fleet and Fuel Growth

Korean Air has committed to its largest-ever aircraft order, announcing plans to purchase 103 Boeing jets in a landmark deal that underscores the airline’s fleet modernization strategy and its upcoming integration with Asiana Airlines. The order, also Boeing’s largest widebody commitment from an Asian carrier, marks a pivotal step in Korean Air’s growth as it positions itself to become one of the world’s most competitive airlines.

The agreement, signed during the Korea–U.S. Business Roundtable “Partnership for a Manufacturing Renaissance,” includes a mix of widebody and single-aisle aircraft to enhance efficiency and flexibility across Korean Air’s global network. Once finalized, the order will be added to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website and will support an estimated 135,000 jobs across the United States.

The purchase includes:

20 Boeing 777-9s
25 Boeing 787-10s
50 Boeing 737-10s
8 Boeing 777-8 Freighters

“This agreement with our long-standing partners, Boeing and GE, marks a pivotal moment for Korean Air,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “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.”

Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, emphasized the significance of the deal: “We are honored 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 its growth with one of the world’s most efficient fleets.”

Key Aircraft Highlights

777-9: Seats up to 426 passengers in a two-class configuration, with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nm). Reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to previous-generation aircraft.
787-10: Can carry up to 336 passengers with a range of 11,730 km (6,330 nm). Known for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
737-10: Largest in the 737 MAX family, seating up to 230 passengers with a range of 5,740 km (3,100 nm). Offers the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle aircraft and 20% lower fuel consumption.
777-8 Freighter: Set to be the world’s most capable twin-engine freighter, providing unmatched payload and 30% better fuel efficiency than the freighters it will replace.

Korean Air already operates 108 Boeing aircraft, including 737s, 747s, 777s, and 787s. With 72 Boeing jets currently on order, the new agreement will expand the carrier’s total order book to 175 airplanes.

In addition to being a major customer, Korean Air is also a Boeing supplier. Its Aerospace Division manufactures components for the 787 Dreamliner, including its signature raked wingtip, and produces parts for the 737 MAX, 767, and 777 families.

With this historic order, Korean Air is not only securing its position as a leading global carrier but also reinforcing its role as a strategic partner in advancing aviation manufacturing and sustainability.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com, koreanair.com