Boeing and Korean Air today finalised the airline’s order of 30 737 MAXs and two additional 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners valued at nearly $4 billion at current list prices.
The airline also has options for additional 737 MAXs as part of the order, which was previously announced as a commitment during the Paris Air Show in June.
With this order for up to 52 Boeing airplanes, Korean Air becomes Boeing’s newest 737 MAX customer and now has 62 firm Boeing airplane orders on backlog.
“Korean Air is a valued Boeing customer and this order is the culmination of our longstanding partnership that spans over four decades,†said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Ray Conner.
“Korean Air has been a pioneer in Asia’s commercial aviation industry and today, we are truly honoured to welcome Korean into the new 737 MAX family.
“I am confident these new airplanes will play an important role in Korean Air’s fleet modernization program for many years to come.â€
As part of this order for 737 MAX airplanes, Korean Air also adds another two 777-300ERs as it continues to modernize its long-haul widebody fleet.
Korean Air currently operates a fleet of 91 Boeing passenger airplanes that consist of 737, 747 and 777 models.
The airline also operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 28 747-400, 747-8 and 777 Freighters.
Korean Air’s Aerospace Division is a key Boeing partner on both the 747-8 and 787 programs, supplying the distinctive raked wing-tips for each model.
They are also one of two suppliers producing the new 737 MAX Advanced Technology Winglet.
The 777-300ER is one of the most fuel and cost-efficient airplanes in its class as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world.
It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger airplane in service.
The 777-300ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by two per cent.
Korean Air, with a fleet of 166 aircraft, is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, and operates more than 430 flights per day to 128 cities in 45 countries.
