Korean Air has finalized agreements worth $44.8 billion for 103 Boeing aircraft, spare engines and long-term engine maintenance, completing a major procurement programme first announced in Washington D.C. in August 2025.
The aircraft portion of the agreement is valued at $36.2 billion and covers a mix of Boeing 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, 777X passenger aircraft and 777-8F freighters.
Korean Air has also finalized approximately $8.6 billion in agreements with GE Aerospace and CFM International covering 21 spare engines and a 15-year engine maintenance contract.
The investment is intended to support Korean Air’s long-term fleet renewal and capacity requirements as the carrier moves towards full integration with Asiana Airlines.
Korean Air orders 103 Boeing aircraft
The finalized Boeing order comprises four aircraft types:
- 20 Boeing 777-9s
- 25 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
- 50 Boeing 737-10s
- 8 Boeing 777-8F freighters
The mix gives Korean Air new aircraft across several parts of its operation, ranging from short- and medium-haul services to long-haul passenger routes and dedicated cargo operations.
The 737-10s will provide new narrowbody capacity, while the 787-10 and 777-9 will form part of the airline’s next-generation widebody fleet.
Eight 777-8Fs will support Korean Air’s substantial international cargo operation.
The airline said the agreement provides a more predictable long-term aircraft introduction schedule as it plans capacity following its integration with Asiana Airlines.
$8.6 billion engine and maintenance agreements
Alongside the Boeing aircraft order, Korean Air has finalized agreements with GE Aerospace and CFM International worth approximately $8.6 billion.
These cover 21 spare engines as well as a 15-year maintenance contract for engines powering 28 aircraft.
“While Boeing provides our wings, GE gives us the heartbeat of our fleet,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group.
Korean Air expects the transition towards newer aircraft and engine technology to improve fleet-wide fuel efficiency while supporting its longer-term emissions reduction objectives.
Deal follows 2025 Washington agreement
The procurement programme was originally announced in Washington D.C. in August 2025 and has now progressed to finalized purchase agreements.
Korean Air and Boeing marked the completion with a signing ceremony at the Conrad Seoul on September 15.
Representatives from Korean Air, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, CFM International and GE Aerospace attended alongside government and financial representatives from South Korea and the United States.
“Bringing our Washington agreements to the finish line today is a proud moment for Korean Air,” Cho said.
The airline described the transaction as both a major fleet investment and part of the broader economic relationship between South Korea and the United States.
Fleet investment prepares Korean Air for Asiana integration
The timing of the agreement is significant as Korean Air prepares for the final stages of its integration with Asiana Airlines.
The carrier recently began preparations to transition Asiana bookings and flight numbers ahead of the integrated airline’s planned launch on December 17, 2026.
The 103-aircraft procurement programme will provide Korean Air with additional capacity while allowing older aircraft to be progressively replaced with newer-generation models.
It will also reshape several parts of the airline’s fleet simultaneously, with new narrowbody aircraft, long-haul passenger jets and dedicated freighters included in the same procurement programme.
At a combined value of $44.8 billion for aircraft, engines and maintenance, the finalized agreements represent one of Korean Air’s most significant long-term fleet investments as it prepares for its post-Asiana operations.
