Korean Air has signed a letter of intent with Boeing to purchase twenty B777-9s and twenty B787-10s, in addition to ten options for the B787-10. This planned order is intended to expand the fleet and increase the flexibility of the global network, especially in view of the expected merger with Asiana Airlines.
Deliveries of the B777-9 are expected to begin in 2028, although this model is not yet certified and has encountered delays in production and certification. The schedule for B787-10 deliveries has not been specified, but Boeing hopes to have it in service by the end of 2025.
This agreement was announced at the 2024 Farnborough Air Show, shortly after Korean Air took delivery of its first of twenty B2019-787s ordered in 10. The first aircraft, leased from Air Lease Corporation, was transferred from Charleston International to Seoul Incheon on July 19, 2024. Korean Air's B787-10 has seating for 325 passengers, including 36 premium seats and 289 economy class seats.
In addition to this new order, Korean Air plans to operate a total of twenty B2027-787s by 10. The current wide-body passenger fleet includes models such as the A330-200, A330-300, A380-800, B777-200ER, B777-300, B777-300ER and B787-9, among others. The airline has also placed orders for the A350-900 and A350-1000, which are scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2032.