Korean Air announces record order for 103 Boeing aircraft as it prepares Asiana merger

South Korea’s flag carrier, Korean Air, has committed to its largest-ever aircraft order with a plan to purchase 103 Boeing jets, marking a significant step in its fleet modernization strategy and its planned integration with Asiana Airlines.

The agreement, unveiled on 25 August during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable in Washington, includes a mix of long-haul widebodies and single-aisle aircraft:

• 20 Boeing 777-9s
• 25 Boeing 787-10s
• 50 Boeing 737-10s
• 8 Boeing 777-8 Freighters

Once finalized, this order will also become Boeing’s largest widebody commitment from an Asian airline. Korean Air already placed an incremental order for 40 widebody aircraft in March 2025, meaning its total orders and commitments with Boeing this year surpass 150 units.

“This agreement marks a pivotal moment for Korean Air,” said Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “Next-generation aircraft will be the foundation of our future, both in fuel efficiency and passenger experience, while ensuring the merged airline with Asiana becomes one of the most competitive carriers in the industry.”

The deal was signed in the presence of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Kim Jung-kwan. Boeing estimates the program will support 135,000 U.S. jobs across its production and supplier network.

Fleet strategy and aircraft highlights

The order spans Boeing’s newest models: the 777-9, which can carry 426 passengers over 13,510 km while reducing fuel use by 20%; the 787-10, seating up to 336 passengers; and the 737-10, the largest member of the MAX family with capacity for 230 passengers. Korean Air will also become a launch customer for the 777-8 Freighter, billed as the most capable twin-engine cargo aircraft in the market.

Korean Air currently operates 108 Boeing jets, ranging from the 737 to the 747 and 777 families, with 72 aircraft already on order. With this latest commitment, the airline’s order book with Boeing will rise to 175 aircraft.

Beyond fleet operations, Korean Air’s aerospace division is also a supplier to Boeing, producing components for the 787 Dreamliner, including its signature raked wingtips, as well as parts for the 737 MAX, 767 and 777 programs.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope welcomed the deal, calling it “a landmark agreement” that underscores the U.S. manufacturer’s strong partnership with the Korean flag carrier.