Korean Air to firm up $32.7 billion Boeing and GE orders from 2024
March 24, 2025
Korean Air is “advancing its partnership” with Boeing and GE Aerospace to “secure timely delivery positions” for orders first placed in June 2024, the airline has revealed, with recent talks held in Washington to “discuss ways to enhance cooperation”. These will, explained Korean Air, “maintain its fleet plan with current industry supply conditions”.
A MoU first signed with Boeing last year at Farnborough International Airshow encompasses firm orders for 20 777-9 and 20 787-10 aircraft for delivery through 2033, with options for ten additional aircraft. These will support Korean Air’s expansion following the integration of low-cost-carrier Asiana Airlines, which – following the conclusion of a $1.3 billion acquisition in December – will be run as a subsidiary until 2027. From then on, it will operate under the Korean Air identity. Aircraft will be embellished with the recently-unveiled new Korean Air Logo, Korean Air’s first redesign in over 40 years.
While the agreements for up to 50 aircraft amount to $32.7 billion, contracts for their engines and maintenance have also been finalised with GE Aerospace. This includes eight spare powerplants, two additional engine options, and a comprehensive maintenance agreement for GE9X engines to power the 777-9 fleet – worth a combined $7.8 billion.
During its February 2025 earnings call, Korean Air noted that despite anticipated “uncertainties in the business environment due to shifts in the global political landscape,” it nevertheless remained “committed to strengthening its competitiveness as a leading global carrier by strategically preparing for its integration with Asiana Airlines”. With eyes on its widebody fleet expansion, Korean Air also inked a firm order for 33 A350 family aircraft with Airbus in April 2024, receiving its first pair of A350-900s in December.
