Korean Air To Confirm 777X & 787 Order

Korean Air is poised to confirm a mammoth order for Boeing commercial aeroplanes from the 777X and 787 families.

The South Korean airline confirmed its intent to order the 777X and 787 on Day 1 of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow in July, after a lengthy reporting period.

The massive aircraft order consists of 20 Boeing 777-9s, part of the 777X series. Moreover, it extended its commitment to the 787 with an order for 20 high-capacity 787-10.

The purchase of the 787-10 includes options for ten more units, should the airline wish to activate these. At the time, Korean Air’s order came during the same period when it was celebrating the launch of the 787-10 into its scheduled operations.

Confirming the MoU at the time would represent a staggering USD 32 billion commitment to Korean Air’s future during one of the airline’s most important periods in history.

While aircraft are expected to be included in the deal and account for a significant portion, this is not the only thing finalised. The airline is also securing deals for additional engines to act as cover for the future, worth multiple billions.

A New Era For Korean Air

The latest purchase confirmation, which is expected for more aircraft from Boeing, comes at an important time for the South Korean-based company as it prepares to integrate Asiana Airlines fully into its brand.

Securing the necessary approvals, the pair is moving ahead with their consolidation efforts at an incredibly important time for the South Korean aviation sector: the creation of one of the largest aviation companies in Asia.

As part of ongoing preparations for the airline, it has announced many aircraft orders, ranging from the upcoming finalisation of this Boeing deal to securing more Airbus A350s, which are already part of the Asiana Airlines brand but will be carried over to Korean Air.

Regulators worldwide always scrutinise such consolidation efforts because they fear how consumers and competitors will be treated if such a deal progresses. Previously, the two South Korean-based airlines had obtained approval from all but the United States.

While approval is one crucial pillar, the hard yards will begin now as a new Korean Air looks to be formed with increases in the overall fleet, employees, and general assets. Moreover, changes are also to be expected within the airline’s day-to-day operations across the mainline brand and low-cost divisions.