^{Employees stand in front of a Boeing Co. 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft operated by Korean Air Lines Co. | SeongJoon | Bloomberg | Getty Images}

Historic Boeing and GE Deals

Korean Air on Monday announced a $50 billion order for 103 Boeing aircraft, alongside a $13.7 billion deal with GE Aerospace for engines and maintenance services, coinciding with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Washington. The aircraft deal alone is valued at approximately $36.5 billion and includes a mix of 737 MAX 10, 777-9, and 787 planes.

The new order represents the largest purchase in the airline’s history, with roughly half of the planes being 737 MAX 10s and the remainder split between 777-9 and 787 models. Around 80% of the new aircraft will replace existing planes, modernizing the fleet while expanding capacity.

Expansion and Integration Plans

Korean Air CEO Cho Won-tae emphasized that the order supports the airline’s strategy to expand into U.S., Latin American, and South American markets, and strengthen its position following the Asiana Airlines acquisition last year.

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, highlighted that the deal allows Korean Air to fully integrate operations with Asiana Airlines, providing a fleet that ranks among the most fuel-efficient and technologically advanced in the world.

Strategic and Economic Impact

The Boeing and GE deals are expected to boost U.S. aerospace exports and reinforce the Trump administration’s focus on reshoring advanced manufacturing jobs. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick praised the agreements, saying the transactions demonstrate global recognition of American aircraft technology.

Boeing has recently secured multiple large orders from international carriers amid trade negotiations with the U.S., and Korean Air’s purchase further strengthens its position as a key global partner.

Fleet Modernization and Future Outlook

Korean Air’s previous orders included 20 Boeing 777-9 and 20 787-10 aircraft with options for additional planes, but this new $50 billion deal is entirely separate and adds significant scale to the airline’s long-term fleet strategy.

Founded in 1969 and a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Korean Air has steadily grown into South Korea’s largest airline. The new aircraft order underscores its ambitions to modernize its fleet, expand global routes, and compete in increasingly competitive international markets.

With deliveries scheduled over the coming years, Korean Air expects this fleet upgrade to enhance operational efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and offer passengers improved travel experiences across transcontinental and regional routes.

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