Boeing Secures $50 Billion Order from Korean Air for 103 Jets
Landmark deal for 777X, 787, and 737 MAX aircraft provides a major boost to the U.S. planemaker's order book.
The Boeing Company received a significant vote of confidence from one of Asia's largest carriers, securing a landmark order from Korean Air for 103 aircraft valued at approximately $50 billion. The news provided a lift to Boeing shares, which climbed 3.51% in response to the announcement.
The comprehensive deal includes a mix of the planemaker's most advanced wide-body and narrow-body jets. Korean Air has agreed to purchase 20 of the new 777-9s, 25 787-10 Dreamliners, 50 737-10s, and eight 777-8F freighters, according to a report from Aviation Week. This agreement marks one of the largest-ever aircraft orders from an Asian airline and provides a substantial long-term boost to Boeing's production pipeline.
The deal was formalized in Washington, D.C., coinciding with a state visit by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. This strategic purchase is a key component of Korean Air's broader fleet modernization and expansion plan, particularly as the airline navigates its merger with rival Asiana Airlines. According to aviation industry reports, the carrier's parent, Hanjin Group, aims to streamline its future fleet to five highly efficient aircraft types, and this order is a major step toward that goal.
For Boeing, the order is a crucial win, reinforcing its backlog for key programs like the 777X and the popular 787 Dreamliner family. It signals strong airline confidence in its products despite recent production challenges and scrutiny. The inclusion of the 737-10, the largest variant of the MAX family, is also a significant endorsement.
The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery beginning in the 2030s, positioning Korean Air for future growth and fleet replacement. The airline has yet to confirm its engine selections for the new planes, indicating further announcements are expected.