Korean Air has finalised an agreement with Boeing to order 20 787 Dreamliner aircraft – including 10 each of the 787-10 and 787-9 models – valued at $6.3 billion according to list prices.
Along with an agreement to lease 10 additional 787-10 jets from Air Lease Corporation, the carrier will quadruple its Dreamliner fleet as it looks to bring greater efficiency and passenger comforts to its operations.
Korean Air, one of the largest transpacific carriers in Asia with 16 non-stop routes to North America, is adding the 787-10 to its long-haul fleet to complement its existing 787-9 and 777 aircraft.
“As we continue to innovate our product offering, the 787 Dreamliner family will become the backbone of our mid-and long-haul fleet for many years to come,” said Walter Cho, chairman of Korean Air. “In addition to 25 per cent improved fuel efficiency, the stretched 787-10 offers around 15 percent more space for passengers and cargo than our 787-9s, which will be critical to our long-term business goals.”
The airline plans to deploy the 787-10 on medium-range routes, while continuing to leverage the longer-range capabilities of the 787-9 Dreamliner on long-haul flights.
