Korean Air and Boeing have finally signed off on a long-anticipated order for up to 50 brand-new widebody jets, having first announced the potential agreement at Farnborough Airshow last year.
The finalized order, announced on March 26, 2025, includes 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 787-10s, with options for 10 additional 787 Dreamliners in the future.
Boeing has described the agreement as a “landmark order” between two companies with a business partnership that stretches back half a century.
“For over 50 years, Korean Air and Boeing have built a relationship based on trust and mutual growth. Today, we further strengthen our historic relationship with this landmark order,” said Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group. “We look forward to continuing our journey with Boeing as our trusted partner in innovation and excellence.”
The order will see the new widebody aircraft, powered by GEnx and GE9X engines, join Korean Air by 2033 in a deal worth $24.9 billion.
Boeing and Korean Air unveiled the airline’s plan to purchase up to 50 of Boeing’s widebody aircraft on the first day of the 2024 edition of the Farnborough Airshow.
“This record order is the culmination of our more than 50-year partnership with Korean Air and demonstrates the strength of Boeing’s market-leading widebody family,” said Dan Schull, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Northeast Asia. “The combination of economic efficiency and range of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will position Korean Air for continued growth and long-term success.”
The engine order with GE Aerospace also includes a service agreement to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GE9X engines.
“We’re grateful for the Korean Air team putting its trust in us again,” said Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace. “Today’s order represents the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with Korean Air and reaffirms our commitment to support their successful fleet upgrade and expansion.”