Korean Air has finalized its order for 103 Boeing aircraft, converting a preliminary agreement announced in August 2025 into the largest aircraft order in the South Korean carrier's history.
The agreement covers 50 737-10s, 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s and eight 777-8 Freighters. Boeing and Korean Air announced the final deal on September 16, nearly 13 months after the original commitment was signed in Washington, D.C.
Follow Air Data News: WhatsApp | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
The US$36.2 billion figure is the stated value of the agreement, although the amount Korean Air will actually pay has not been disclosed. Large aircraft orders typically include commercial discounts.
The order is also significant for Boeing because it combines two aircraft that have yet to enter commercial service. The 737-10 is the largest member of the 737 MAX family, while the 777-9 is the passenger flagship of the delayed 777X program. The eight 777-8Fs add Boeing's next-generation freighter to the package.
Largest order in Korean Air history
Korean Air first announced the 103-aircraft commitment on August 25, 2025. At the time, the deal remained subject to finalization and had not been recorded as a firm order by Boeing.
The composition has remained unchanged since that announcement. Deliveries are planned progressively through the late 2030s as Korean Air renews its fleet and prepares for its integration with Asiana Airlines.
The new order follows an earlier Korean Air commitment for 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s announced in 2024, with options for another ten 787s. Boeing said when the 103-aircraft deal was first disclosed that Korean Air's backlog would reach 175 aircraft once the new commitment was finalized.
The 777-8F order will also give Korean Air two competing next-generation freighter types. In October 2025, the carrier converted seven of its existing Airbus A350-1000 orders to the A350F, which is scheduled to join its cargo fleet in the late 2020s. Korean Air therefore has firm orders for seven A350Fs and eight 777-8Fs as it prepares to replace its current 747 and 777 freighters.
Engines and maintenance take package to US$44.8 billion
Korean Air also finalized agreements with GE Aerospace and CFM International covering 21 spare engines and long-term engine maintenance services. Those contracts are valued at approximately US$8.6 billion.
GE Aerospace will provide engine maintenance services for 28 aircraft over 15 years. Combined with the Boeing aircraft purchase, Korean Air puts the finalized package at approximately US$44.8 billion.
The final agreement differs in this respect from the package announced in 2025. Korean Air originally planned to acquire 19 spare engines and proposed a 20-year maintenance agreement; the completed contracts cover 21 spare engines and 15 years of maintenance.
The signing ceremony was held in Seoul on September 15, with Korean Air Chairman and CEO Walter Cho, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope and CFM International CEO Gaël Méheust among those attending.
