Korean Air Lands US$44.8 Billion Deal with Boeing for Next-Gen Aircraft
Korean Air has finalized a massive deal worth US$44.8 billion to acquire next-generation aircraft and engines from Boeing and GE Aerospace, marking a significant milestone in the airline's fleet modernization plan.
The agreement was formalized on September 15, 2026, at the Conrad Seoul hotel, with senior executives from Korean Air, Boeing, GE Aerospace, and CFM International in attendance. The signing ceremony drew notable attendees beyond aviation executives, including US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel and South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Jungkwan Kim.
The deal covers 103 Boeing aircraft, 21 spare engines, and a 15-year engine maintenance contract for 28 aircraft. The aircraft order comprises 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and eight Boeing 777-8F freighters, covering both widebody and narrowbody segments as well as cargo capacity.
Korean Air Chairman and CEO Walter Cho emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating that it is 'much more than a business deal' but rather a testament to the trust and unbreakable alliance between South Korea and the United States. He added that the investment secures both the reliability of the fleet and the long-term relationship between Korean Air and its engine partners.