Korean Air invests USD 50 billion in Boeing aircraft, engines and long-term maintenance programme

Korean Air has announced plans to invest around USD 50 billion (KRW 70 trillion) in new aircraft, spare engines and a long-term maintenance programme. The agreements, signed on 25 August in Washington D.C., involve the purchase of 103 Boeing aircraft, 19 spare engines from GE Aerospace and CFM International, and a 20-year engine maintenance contract with GE Aerospace.

The investment includes USD 36.2 billion (KRW 50 trillion) for Boeing aircraft, USD 690 million (KRW 1 trillion) for spare engines, and USD 13 billion (KRW 18.2 trillion) for maintenance services. The signing ceremony was attended by Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group; Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines & Services at GE Aerospace.

The aircraft order consists of 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s and eight Boeing 777-8F freighters. Deliveries will take place in phases through to 2030. This large-scale purchase is intended to support Korean Air’s growth following its integration with Asiana Airlines and to address global delivery delays affecting the aviation sector.

Korean Air’s long-term fleet strategy will be centred on five aircraft families: Boeing’s 777, 787 and 737, along with the Airbus A350 and A321neo. The airline expects this approach to generate economies of scale, stabilise capacity growth, cut fuel consumption, reduce carbon emissions and improve passenger experience.

Alongside the aircraft, Korean Air will acquire 11 spare engines from GE Aerospace and eight from CFM International. The 20-year engine maintenance agreement with GE Aerospace will cover 28 aircraft, ensuring operational reliability and safety.

Korean Air’s ties with the United States date back over 50 years, beginning with its first U.S. cargo service from Seoul to Los Angeles via Tokyo in 1971, followed by its first passenger service in 1972. Today, the airline operates a trans-Pacific joint venture with Delta Air Lines and works closely with U.S. aerospace companies including Pratt & Whitney, GE, Hamilton Sundstrand and Honeywell.

According to the airline, this strategic investment underlines its commitment to reinforcing its partnership with the U.S. aviation industry. As Korea’s national carrier, Korean Air intends to play a leading role in strengthening commercial links between the two countries while enhancing its competitiveness and ensuring sustainable long-term growth.

SIGN ME UP