Korean Air to add 8 Boeing 777-8Fs in fleet modernisation push

South Korea’s flag carrier, Korean Air, and Boeing have announced the airline’s intent to purchase eight 777-8 freighters. The purchase is part of the airline’s plan to acquire 103 fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft to modernise its fleet and drive growth as it progresses with the full integration of Asiana Airlines over the coming years, according to an official release from Boeing.

Korean Air’s commitment represents the airline’s largest-ever order and Boeing’s biggest widebody order from an Asian carrier. Once finalised, the deal will mark Korean Air’s first purchase of the 777-8 freighter and is expected to support approximately 135,000 jobs across the United States. The order, which will be listed on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website upon completion, includes 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s, and 8 777-8 freighters.

“This agreement with our long-standing partners, Boeing and GE, marks a pivotal moment for Korean Air," says Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernisation strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience across our global network. This investment is also a critical enabler for our future as a merged airline with Asiana, to ensure that our combined carrier is one of the most competitive airlines in the industry.”

The agreement was signed during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable “Partnership for a Manufacturing Renaissance,” and presided over by Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and Kim Jung-kwan, South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

Korean Air's orders and commitments for Boeing airplanes in 2025 surpass 150 units, following the airline's incremental order in March for 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, the release added.

“We are honoured to strengthen our partnership with Korean Air through this landmark agreement, which reflects the value and capabilities of Boeing's market-leading airplane family," says Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As Korean Air transitions to a larger unified carrier, we are committed to supporting the airline's growth with one of the world's most efficient fleets.”

The 777-8 freighter will be the world’s largest and most capable twin-engine cargo aircraft, delivering the highest payload capacity and lowest operating cost per tonne among large freighters, while offering 30% greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to the models it replaces.

The company has begun production of the 777-8 freighter, slated to enter service in 2028. Since the programme’s launch in 2022, airlines and cargo operators have placed 59 orders for the type. If finalised, the latest deal would bring Boeing’s 777-8 freighter order book to 67, surpassing the rival Airbus A350 freighter’s 65 orders as of July 2025. The A350 freighter is expected to enter service in the second half of 2027.

According to Planespotters.net, Korean Air operates a fleet of 169 aircraft comprising a mix of Airbus and Boeing models. The cargo fleet includes 12 Boeing 777 freighters, along with four Boeing 747-400 freighters and seven Boeing 747-8 freighters.

Korean Air currently operates 108 Boeing airplanes, including 737s, 747s, 777s, and 787s. With 72 Boeing jets on order, the carrier's order book will grow to 175 airplanes once the deal is finalised.

Korean Air's Aerospace Division supplies components for the 787 Dreamliner, including its unique raked wingtip, and produces parts for Boeing's 737 MAX, 767, and 777 family of airplanes.