Korean Air soars with 50 strong Boeing order
The big deals have begun to roll in at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow as Korean Air becomes the latest 777X customer with a commitment to purchase 20 777-9 aircraft and a further order for up to 30 787-10 jets. The commitment, which is reported to be worth US$22 billion, for up to 50 Boeing widebody aircraft is expected to play a key role in modernising and strengthening the Asian carrier’s long-haul fleet after its merger with Asiana Airlines.
“The addition of the Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft marks a significant milestone I our strategic objective to expand and upgrade our fleet,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “These new airplanes will elevate passenger comfort and enhance operational efficiency, while significantly reducing carbon emissions, supporting our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation,” he continued.
With a 426-passenger seating capacity in a two-class configuration and a range of 13,500km, the 777-9 features advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, including new carbon-fibre composite wings enabling the aircraft to achieve 10% better fuel efficiency, CO2 emissions and operating costs than the competition. Meanwhile, the 787-10 can carry up to 336 passengers with a range of 11,730km, with Boeing underlining that the fuel efficiency of the 787 has helped operators avoid more than 169 billion pounds in CO2 emissions since entering service.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the aircraft manufacturer was “honoured Korean Air had selected its largest, most efficient wideboy airplanes to add capacity to its network.” She also noted that this latest announcement builds on a 50-year relationship between the two companies with the “777X and 787 Dreamliner continuing to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”
