Korean Air unveils record Boeing order as Asiana merger looms
August 26, 2025
Boeing has secured an order from Korean Air for 103 new aircraft from in what will be the airline’s largest-ever order, timed as it prepares to merge with Asiana Airlines.
The deal, revealed at a South Korea-US Business Roundtable in Washington, is also Boeing’s biggest widebody commitment from an Asian airline.
Korean Air’s biggest ever Boeing order
The $36bn list-price order includes 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s and eight 777-8 Freighters.
Korean Air’s deal also includes GE engines and servicing, which takes the total bill to around $50bn.
Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air, said the agreement “marks a pivotal moment” for the expanding carrier.
“Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernisation strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience,” he said.
“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.”
Timed for the Asiana merger
South Korea’s flag carrier finalised a $1.3 billion purchase of a controlling two-thirds stake in Asiana in December.
The airline will continue operating as a subsidiary until 1 January 2027, when it is due to be fully absorbed into the Korean Air brand and corporate structure.
The order builds on a separate agreement signed in March for up to 50 aircraft, including 20 777-9s, 20 787-10s and options for 10 additional 787 Dreamliners, taking Korean Air’s total Boeing commitments this year to more than 150 aircraft.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “As Korean Air transitions to a larger unified carrier, we are committed to supporting the airline’s growth.”
The 777-9, which seats 426 passengers in two classes, offers a range of more than 13,500 km and a 20% cut in emissions compared with the aircraft it will replace.
The 787-10 carries up to 336 passengers, while the 737-10, the largest member of the 737 MAX family, is designed for short- and medium-haul routes with what Boeing claims is the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle jet.
For cargo operations, Korean Air will introduce the 777-8 Freighter, which Boeing says offers 30% better fuel efficiency than the aircraft it succeeds.
Korean Air currently operates 108 Boeing aircraft. Once this new order is finalised, its Boeing backlog will stand at 175 aircraft.
Notably, Korean Air has a vested interest in the success of Boeing, since its Aerospace Division supplies components for the 787 Dreamliner, including its raked wingtip, and produces parts for Boeing’s 737 MAX, 767 and 777 family of aircraft.
The order also comes amid pressure from President Donald Trump for airlines to place orders with Boeing as part of his push to stabilise trade relations.
Countries to have announced orders with Boeing as part of wider trade deal discussions include Japan and Indonesia.
Korean Air Airbus orders
Korean Air is also a significant Airbus customer. In December, the carrier took delivery of the first pair of Airbus A350-900s.
Asiana Airlines had open orders for fifteen A350-900s, while Korean Air ordered six A350-900s and 27 A350-1000s in March 2024.
The airline also ordered a total of 56 Airbus A321neo aircraft, more than a dozen of which have already been delivered.
