Korean Air has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Boeing to purchase up to 50 aircraft, including 20 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 777-9s, with deliveries expected by 2034. The airline also has the option to order 10 additional 787-10s in the future. Valued at approximately 30 trillion won, this deal, once finalized within the next three months, will be the largest aircraft acquisition in Korean Air’s history.

These new wide-body aircraft, designed for lower carbon emissions, will replace the Airbus A380s, which are set to be retired by 2026, and will become the core of Korean Air’s fleet. This purchase follows a March agreement to buy 33 Airbus A350s for 18 trillion won, underscoring Korean Air’s commitment to enhancing its long-haul services to the Americas and Europe, especially after its integration with Asiana Airlines.

Cho Won-tae (right), Chairman of Hanjin Group, and Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, pose for a commemorative photo after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the purchase of 20 Boeing 777-9s and 30 Boeing 787-10s (with an option for 10 additional aircraft) on July 22, 2024, in Hampshire, England./Korean Air

The MOU was signed on July 22 at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, England. The signing ceremony was attended by Cho Won-tae, chairman of Hanjin Group, and Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial planes division.

The Boeing 777-9, the largest in the 777 series, can seat between 400 and 420 passengers. It is the most efficient model in the series, with extended carbon composite wings that improve fuel efficiency by more than 10%. This allows for non-stop flights from Incheon to any location in the U.S., with a range of over 13,000 kilometers.

Boeing 777-9 (below) and 787-10 (above), which Korean Air has agreed to purchase./Korean Air

The purchase of 30 additional 787-10s follows a 2019 order of 20 of the same model. The 787-10, the largest in the 787 series, can carry 15% more passengers and cargo than the 787-9 and offers over 25% better fuel efficiency compared to the 777-200. Its higher cabin pressure enhances passenger comfort. Starting July 25, Korean Air will deploy the 787-10 on the Incheon-Tokyo Narita route, followed by routes to Vancouver, the western U.S., and Europe. The 787-10 will feature 325 seats, with economy class seats that can recline up to 120 degrees.

This recent contract reflects the intense competition in securing aircraft. Cho stated, “This Boeing acquisition is a strategic milestone in the expansion and upgrade of Korean Air’s fleet.”