Korean Air has finalized an order worth up to $24.9-billion order for up to 50 Boeing wide-body aircraft. Boeing will supply 20 777-9 jets and 20 787-10s, and Korean Air also acquired options for 10 more 787 Dreamliners.
The contract had been announced last summer as a “commitment” between the airline and the OEM, and now represents the largest order to date between the two companies.
In December, Korean Air completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Asiana Airlines, consolidating their operations and creating South Korea’s largest carrier. The number of new wide-body jets indicates its plan to enhance its intercontinental air service.
Both Boeing models are twin-engine jets designed for long-distance, international flights; the 777-9 seats 426 passengers and has a range of has 7,285 nautical miles / 13,492 km / 8,383 mi. The 787-10 carries 336 passengers and has a range of 6,330 nmi / 11,720 km / 7,280 mi.
"This record order is the culmination of our more than 50-year partnership with Korean Air and demonstrates the strength of Boeing’s market-leading widebody family,” stated Boeing’s vice president for Commercial Sales and Marketing for Northeast Asia, Dan Schull. “The combination of economic efficiency and range of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will position Korean Air for continued growth and long-term success.”
Korean Air also chose GEnx and GE9X turbofan engines to power the new aircraft, placing a $7.8-billion order with GE Aerospace. That order will also cover a service agreement for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GE9X engines.
No delivery dates have been indicated for the new aircraft.
