Korean Air places massive $36.2 billion order with Boeing for 103 aircraft.

Korean Air has ordered 103 Boeing aircraft for $36.2 billion, the airline's largest-ever order. The planes will be delivered by 2030 and support an estimated 135,000 jobs in the US. The purchase includes 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and eight Boeing 777-8F freighters. Korean Air aims to expand to more destinations in the US, Latin America, and South America with the order.

Korean Air has announced a significant expansion of its fleet, ordering 103 Boeing aircraft for $36.2 billion, marking its largest-ever order. The planes, which include 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and eight Boeing 777-8F freighters, are expected to be delivered by 2030 [1].

The order is part of Korean Air's broader strategy to modernize its fleet, enhance fuel efficiency, and support its merger with Asiana Airlines. The aircraft are designed to deliver exceptional performance and sustainability, with the Boeing 777-9 capable of carrying 426 passengers and boasting a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles) [1].

The deal, announced at the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable, underscores a strengthened partnership between Korean Air and Boeing. The order is expected to support around 135,000 jobs in the United States [1].

Korean Air's current order book stands at 72 Boeing jets, and this deal will expand it to 175 aircraft once finalized [2]. The aircraft are scheduled for phased delivery through the end of 2030, with the aim of standardizing operations around five aircraft families: the Boeing 777, 787, 737, Airbus A350, and A321neo [2].

Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air, stated, "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, 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" [2].

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added, "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" [2].

References:
[1] https://aviationsourcenews.com/korean-air-places-landmark-order-for-103-boeing-aircraft/
[2] https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2025/08/25/korean-air-planes-to-add-103-new-boeing-aircraft-to-its-fleet/