Korean Air has unveiled its largest aircraft purchase in history, committing to a $50 billion agreement for 103 Boeing jets, GE Aerospace engines, and long-term servicing. The announcement was made on Monday in Washington, aligning with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to the United States.
The deal, which includes both passenger and freighter aircraft, is expected to play a central role in modernizing the airline’s fleet and strengthening its competitiveness as it continues integration with Asiana Airlines.
According to Reuters, the record-breaking order represents not only Korean Air’s largest single commitment but also one of the most significant orders by an Asian carrier in recent years.
Details of the Boeing Aircraft Order
The $36.5 billion Boeing aircraft purchase includes a mix of long-haul widebodies and efficient narrowbodies. Korean Air confirmed it will acquire:
- 20 Boeing 777-9s
- 25 Boeing 787-10s
- 50 Boeing 737-10s
- 8 Boeing 777-8 Freighters
These new jets will expand Korean Air’s passenger capacity and cargo operations while replacing older aircraft in its fleet. CEO Walter Cho (Cho Won-tae) emphasized that nearly 80% of the orders will be replacements.
In addition, the airline signed a $13.7 billion deal with GE Aerospace for engines and servicing, bringing the combined value of the commitments to $50 billion.
“This agreement with our long-standing partners, Boeing and GE, marks a pivotal moment for Korean Air. Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy…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,” said Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air.
Supporting Expansion and Integration
Korean Air highlighted that the acquisition will support its integration with Asiana Airlines, creating a stronger unified flag carrier for South Korea. The merged carrier is expected to operate one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the region.
CEO Cho told Reuters that the order will allow the airline to expand services to the United States, Latin America, and South America. He also reaffirmed Korean Air’s confidence in Boeing despite the manufacturer’s past troubles with the 737 MAX program.
The commitment builds on Korean Air’s earlier March 2025 order for 40 Boeing widebody jets—20 777-9s and 20 787-10s—bringing the airline’s Boeing commitments this year to over 150 aircraft.
U.S. Jobs and Strategic Significance
Boeing stated that the order, once finalized, will support approximately 135,000 jobs in the United States, providing a major boost to the U.S. aerospace supply chain.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, speaking at the signing ceremony during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable, called the deal “a clear demonstration of U.S. leadership in aerospace manufacturing” and noted its importance for American exports.
The agreement also comes against the backdrop of South Korea’s broader trade engagement with the United States. Analysts suggest that the announcement, coinciding with President Lee’s Washington visit, underscores the strategic nature of aerospace deals in strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Looking Ahead
Korean Air expects this record-setting order to position it as one of the most ambitious carriers in the Asia-Pacific region.
By renewing its fleet with a blend of new-generation widebodies and single-aisle aircraft, the airline is aiming to meet demand growth, reduce operating costs, and strengthen its competitive edge in global markets.