Korean Air places record-breaking order for 103 Boeing jets to modernize its fleet and support Asiana Airlines merger, marking Boeing’s largest Asian widebody deal.
 |
| Korean Air announces a transformative multibillion-dollar jet order from Boeing, advancing fleet sustainability, boosting U.S. jobs, and accelerating its Asiana merger. Image: Boeing |
Washington, United States – August 26, 2025:
Korean Air has announced a landmark agreement to purchase 103 new aircraft from Boeing, marking the airline’s largest fleet expansion in history and Boeing’s biggest widebody jet order from an Asian carrier. The deal, unveiled during the Korea–U.S. Business Roundtable in Washington, supports Korean Air’s strategy to modernize its fleet while preparing for full integration with Asiana Airlines in the coming years.
The commitment includes a mix of long-haul, regional, and cargo aircraft: 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s, and eight 777-8 Freighters. Once finalized, this order will raise Korean Air’s total Boeing commitments in 2025 to over 150 aircraft and is expected to support approximately 135,000 jobs across the United States. The new jets will be added to the airline’s existing fleet of 108 Boeing aircraft, increasing its order book to 175.
Korean Air Chairman and CEO Walter Cho called the agreement a defining moment in the airline’s evolution, noting that next-generation aircraft will be essential to its growth as a unified carrier with Asiana. He emphasized the role of these fuel-efficient aircraft in reducing operational costs, cutting emissions, and improving the passenger experience across international and domestic routes. He added that this investment is key to ensuring the merged airline becomes one of the most competitive carriers in the global aviation industry.
The agreement was signed in the presence of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan. It follows Korean Air’s earlier order in March of an additional 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, reflecting a major acceleration in the airline’s post-pandemic recovery and regional expansion plans.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope welcomed the deal, describing it as a milestone in the companies’ decades-long partnership. She affirmed Boeing’s commitment to delivering the most efficient and advanced aircraft available, and said the company would continue supporting Korean Air’s transformation into a larger, unified airline with global reach.
Each aircraft model in the order offers substantial gains in fuel efficiency, passenger capacity, and route flexibility. The 777-9 will carry up to 426 passengers across a range of 13,510 kilometers and is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 20 percent compared to the older aircraft it replaces. The 787-10, capable of seating 336 passengers over 11,730 kilometers, delivers a similar performance advantage. The 737-10, the largest model in the 737 MAX series, will enable Korean Air to serve more passengers on short- and medium-haul routes while offering the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle aircraft. The 777-8 Freighter, meanwhile, is set to become the world’s largest twin-engine cargo aircraft, with unmatched payload capacity and 30 percent greater fuel efficiency than legacy models.
In addition to operating a large Boeing fleet, Korean Air also contributes to Boeing’s global supply chain. Its Aerospace Division manufactures components for multiple Boeing aircraft, including parts for the 737 MAX, 767, 777, and the signature raked wingtips used on the 787 Dreamliner.
This deal further cements Boeing’s position as a top U.S. exporter and leading aerospace manufacturer, while supporting American jobs and innovation in aircraft technology. For Korean Air, the agreement signifies a strategic leap forward as it prepares to scale its operations, reduce its carbon footprint, and emerge from its merger with Asiana as a stronger, more globally competitive airline.