Seoul, South Korea: Boeing and Korean Air on 16 September 2026 finalized an order for 103 aircraft, covering four Boeing models across the airline’s widebody and single-aisle fleet. The order comprises 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s and eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters.
Boeing said the finalized order fulfills Korean Air’s procurement commitment announced in August 2025 and represents a tangible outcome of bilateral trade negotiations between the United States and South Korea.
The commitment was originally announced on 25 August 2025, when Korean Air said the aircraft would support fleet modernization and its growth as it integrated operations with Asiana Airlines. At that time, Boeing described the commitment as Korean Air’s largest-ever order and its largest widebody order from an Asian carrier.
The 777-9 is designed to carry up to 426 passengers in a two-class configuration with a 13,510-km range, while the 787-10 can carry up to 336 passengers and has an 11,730-km range.
The 737-10, the largest 737 MAX variant, can carry up to 230 passengers and has a range of up to 5,740 km. Boeing said the 777-9 and 737-10 are expected to deliver 20% lower fuel use and emissions compared with the aircraft they replace, while the 777-8 Freighter is designed for 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions than the aircraft it replaces.
Korean Air Chairman and CEO Walter Cho said in the 2025 announcement: “Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience across our global network.” Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said: “As Korean Air transitions to a larger unified carrier, we are committed to supporting the airline’s growth with one of the world’s most efficient fleets.”
Boeing said Korean Air operated 108 Boeing aircraft at the time of the 2025 commitment and had 72 Boeing jets already on order, which would have taken its Boeing order book to 175 aircraft once the 103-aircraft deal was finalized.
The finalized agreement was commemorated in Seoul in the presence of Korean Air Chairman and CEO Walter Cho, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope, CFM International President and CEO Gaël Méheust, US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Michelle Steel, and South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Kim Jung-kwan, along with other government and financial leaders. Boeing said the order is part of the broader US Republic of Korea industrial relationship.
The 2025 announcement also noted that Korean Air’s Aerospace Division supplies components for the Boeing 787, including its raked wingtip, and produces parts for the 737 MAX, 767 and 777 families.
