Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stephanie Pope and Korean Air chairman and CEO Walter Cho.
Korean Air plans to purchase up to 50 Boeing widebodies to add flexibility to its global network ahead of its anticipated merger with Seoul-based Asiana Airlines.
Korean signed a firm order for 20 Boeing 777Xs and 20 Boeing 787-10s, with options for 10 more 787-10s on Monday, the opening day of the Farnborough Airshow.
CEO Walter Cho said the order marked a “significant milestone” in the airline's objective to expand and upgrade its fleet, adding that the 777X would likely become its flagship aircraft.
“These new airplanes will elevate passenger comfort and enhance operational efficiency, while significantly reducing carbon emissions, supporting our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation,” Cho said.
The SkyTeam alliance member currently operates a fleet of more than 150 aircraft, including 13 787-9s. Cho said the first deliveries from the latest order should begin in 2028.
The order came the same day that Korean took delivery of its first 787-10 from an order placed at the Paris Airshow in 2019. The airline’s 787-10 aircraft is configured with 325 seats, including 36 “prestige class” seats and 289 economy class seats.
The carrier plans to deploy its first 787-10 between Seoul Incheon and Tokyo Narita on July 25. However, longer-term the aircraft will be used on long-haul services to destinations including Vancouver in Canada. Other high-demand routes, including those to the western US and Europe, are also expected to receive 787-10 service.
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