Date: September 16, 2026
Korean Air has finalized a major aircraft purchase agreement with Boeing for 103 new aircraft worth $36.2 billion at list prices. The deal includes Boeing’s latest widebody and single-aisle aircraft and will play an important role in the airline’s fleet modernization plans.
The order includes 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s and eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters.
The agreement was finalized in Seoul on September 15 and publicly announced on September 16, 2026. It completes a procurement commitment that Korean Air and Boeing first announced in August 2025.
Korean Air’s 103-Aircraft Boeing Order
The new Korean Air Boeing order includes four different aircraft types:
| Boeing aircraft | Number ordered | Main role |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 777-9 | 20 | Long-haul passenger flights |
| Boeing 787-10 | 25 | Long-haul passenger flights |
| Boeing 737-10 | 50 | Short and medium-haul flights |
| Boeing 777-8 Freighter | 8 | Cargo operations |
| Total | 103 | Passenger and cargo |
This combination gives Korean Air aircraft for different parts of its global network, from single-aisle routes to long-distance international services and cargo operations.
Why Is Korean Air Buying 103 Boeing Aircraft?
The order is part of Korean Air’s long-term fleet modernization strategy.
The airline has been working to prepare its fleet for future growth and for the integration of its operations with Asiana Airlines. Korean Air said the investment will help secure a stable aircraft introduction schedule and support additional capacity.
The order also gives the airline a mix of newer-generation aircraft rather than relying on a single aircraft type.
20 Boeing 777-9 Aircraft
Korean Air will receive 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft under the agreement.
The 777-9 is part of Boeing’s 777X family and is designed for long-haul passenger operations. It is a widebody aircraft aimed at combining long range with high passenger capacity.
For Korean Air, the 777-9 order adds more next-generation widebody aircraft to its international fleet.
Boeing has said that the 777-9 is progressing toward certification, with major certification milestones reported during 2026.
25 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
The deal also includes 25 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.
The 787 family is widely used for international routes, and the 787-10 is the largest member of the 787 family.
For Korean Air, these aircraft will provide additional widebody capacity for its passenger network while supporting the airline’s broader fleet renewal plans.
The 787-10 order follows Korean Air’s earlier Boeing commitments and adds another modern widebody type to the airline’s future fleet.
50 Boeing 737-10 Aircraft
The largest part of the order is the 50 Boeing 737-10 aircraft.
The 737-10 is part of Boeing’s 737 MAX family and is designed for high-capacity single-aisle operations.
These aircraft can be used on shorter and medium-distance routes where a widebody aircraft may not be required. The order therefore gives Korean Air additional flexibility as it plans future network and capacity requirements.
Boeing said in July 2026 that the 737-10 was progressing through key certification work.
8 Boeing 777-8 Freighters
Korean Air has also ordered eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters.
This is particularly important because the aircraft will support Korean Air’s cargo operations.
The 777-8 Freighter is Boeing’s next-generation large widebody freighter. Boeing describes it as a new freighter built using technologies from the 777X family. The company lists a structural payload of up to 118 tonnes and a range of 5,000 nautical miles with a 110-tonne payload.
The new freighters will give Korean Air additional cargo capacity as the airline develops its future fleet.
The Deal Is Worth $36.2 Billion at List Prices
The aircraft portion of the agreement is valued at $36.2 billion based on list prices.
It is important to note that list prices are not necessarily the amount an airline ultimately pays after commercial negotiations, discounts and other arrangements.
Korean Air has also finalized separate agreements with GE Aerospace and CFM International worth about $8.6 billion for spare engines and long-term engine maintenance services. This brings the broader package to approximately $44.8 billion.
A Larger U.S.-Korea Aviation Deal
The Boeing aircraft order is part of a broader procurement plan announced by Korean Air in August 2025.
At that time, Korean Air announced its intention to purchase 103 Boeing aircraft as part of its fleet modernization program. The order was described by Boeing as the airline’s largest-ever aircraft commitment.
The finalized agreement now turns that earlier commitment into a firm aircraft purchase.
What the Boeing Order Means for Korean Air
The 103 aircraft will give Korean Air a combination of passenger and cargo aircraft for its future operations.
The order covers:
- Long-haul passenger aircraft: 777-9 and 787-10
- Single-aisle passenger aircraft: 737-10
- Large cargo aircraft: 777-8 Freighter
This mix can support different parts of Korean Air’s network while helping replace older aircraft and add future capacity.
Korean Air has also linked the investment to its planned integration with Asiana Airlines. The company expects the fleet investment to support its operations as the combined airline develops over the coming years.
Boeing and Korean Air Strengthen Their Long-Term Partnership
The finalized order is significant for both companies.
For Korean Air, it provides a large pipeline of next-generation aircraft for its future passenger and cargo operations.
For Boeing, the agreement represents a major order from one of Asia’s leading airlines and includes all three major areas of Boeing’s commercial portfolio represented here: the 737 family, 787 family and 777X family, along with the 777-8 Freighter.
Boeing said the finalized order fulfills Korean Air’s procurement commitment announced in August 2025.
What Happens Next?
The next stage will be the production and delivery of the aircraft over the coming years.
The 737-10 and 777-9 are still progressing through certification activities, while the 787 and existing 777 programs are already established in commercial airline service.
Korean Air’s future fleet will therefore gradually include a combination of new-generation passenger aircraft and cargo aircraft.
Final Takeaway
Korean Air has finalized a 103-aircraft Boeing order worth $36.2 billion at list prices, marking a major step in the airline’s fleet modernization strategy.
The order consists of 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s and eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters.
Alongside the aircraft purchase, Korean Air has also signed approximately $8.6 billion in engine and maintenance agreements with GE Aerospace and CFM International, taking the wider package to around $44.8 billion.
The deal is expected to support Korean Air’s future passenger and cargo operations as the airline continues its fleet modernization and integration plans.
This is one of the biggest aircraft orders in Korean Air’s history and a major development for Boeing’s commercial aircraft business in Asia.