Korean Air to Buy 103 Boeing Jets in Largest Order Amid Trump-Lee Summit
Korean Air announced on Monday its intent to purchase 103 Boeing jets in a deal valued at about $36 billion, marking the largest order in the airline’s history. The announcement came during a summit in Washington between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting strengthened economic cooperation between the two countries.
The order includes a mix of Boeing aircraft models designed to modernize and expand Korean Air’s fleet: 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and eight Boeing 777-8 freighters. The aircraft will enhance fuel efficiency and improve passenger experience across the airline’s global network.
Korean Air CEO Walter Cho described the deal as “a pivotal moment” in the airline’s fleet modernization strategy, adding that it would help position the combined Korean Air and Asiana Airlines as one of the most competitive carriers in the industry as the two airlines move toward full integration.
In a parallel agreement, Korean Air also inked a $13.7 billion deal with GE Aerospace for engines and maintenance services supporting the new jets. The Boeing order and engine contracts are expected to support an estimated 135,000 jobs across the United States.
The deal comes as South Korea aims to increase purchases of U.S. goods following trade negotiations that included addressing tariffs imposed by the U.S. The Korean Air deal is part of a broader U.S.-Korea business push and follows other recent Boeing orders announced by Asian carriers amid similar trade discussions.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope praised the agreement as a landmark deal that strengthens Boeing’s partnership with Korean Air, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting the airline’s growth with some of the most efficient aircraft on the market.
Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to be phased through the end of 2030, marking a major step for Korean Air’s fleet renewal and expansion efforts.