WASHINGTON, August 25, 2025 – Korean Air has announced its intent to purchase 103 Boeing aircraft in what will become the largest order in the airline’s history and Boeing’s biggest widebody order from an Asian carrier. The agreement supports the airline’s strategy to modernise its fleet, improve fuel efficiency, and expand its global operations as it integrates with Asiana Airlines.
The commitment includes 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s and eight 777-8 Freighters. Once finalised, the deal will also mark Korean Air’s first order for the 777-8F. In total, Korean Air’s orders and commitments for Boeing aircraft in 2025 now exceed 150 units, following its earlier March order for 40 widebody jets.
“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 modernisation 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 signing took place during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable “Partnership for a Manufacturing Renaissance,” attended by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Kim Jung-kwan.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We are honored to strengthen our partnership with Korean Air through this landmark agreement, which reflects the value and capabilities of Boeing’s market-leading airplane family. 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 new aircraft will deliver significant performance benefits. The 777-9 seats 426 passengers and offers a range of 13,510 km while reducing fuel burn and emissions by 20 percent compared to earlier models. The 787-10 can carry up to 336 passengers with a range of 11,730 km, while the 737-10 accommodates 230 passengers on routes up to 5,740 km and delivers the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle jet. The 777-8F, meanwhile, will set new benchmarks in freighter capability with a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions over the aircraft it replaces.
Korean Air currently operates 108 Boeing aircraft across the 737, 747, 777 and 787 families. With this latest commitment, its order book will rise to 175 aircraft once finalised. The airline’s Aerospace Division also plays a significant role in Boeing’s supply chain, producing components for the 787 Dreamliner, 737 MAX, 767 and 777 programmes.
SOURCE: PR NEWSWIRE
