Boeing, Korean Air and Air Lease Corporation today announced at the Paris Air Show the airline plans to add 30 new 787 Dreamliner aircraft to its fleet.
The agreement includes a commitment to purchase 10 new 787-10s and 10 additional 787-9 airplanes valued at $6.3 billion at current list prices. As part of this agreement, Korean Air will also lease 10 787-10s from ALC.
The airline, one of the largest transpacific carriers in Asia with 16 non-stop routes to North America, will introduce the larger 787-10 to complement its long-haul fleet of 787-9 and 777 airplanes. This order will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.
“As we continue to innovate our product offering, the 787 Dreamliner family will become the backbone of our long-haul fleet for many years to come,” said Walter Cho, Chairman of Korean Air. “In addition to 25 percent 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.”
With this order, Korea’s flag carrier will quadruple its 787 fleet to 40 airplanes as it looks to strengthen its long-haul fleet.
With a fleet of 168 aircraft, Korean Air is one of the world’s top 20 airlines and serves 126 destinations in 44 countries worldwide. It is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance and recently formed a joint venture partnership with Delta Air Lines.
