Korean Air Finalizes Order for 32 Boeing Aircraft

Korean Air has finalized an order with Boeing for 30 B737 MAXs and two additional B777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners valued at nearly US$4 billion at current list prices.

The airline also has options for additional 737 MAXs as part of the order.

With this order for up to 52 Boeing airplanes, Korean Air becomes Boeing's newest 737 MAX customer and now has 62 firm Boeing airplane orders on backlog.

"Korean Air is a valued Boeing customer and today's order is the culmination of our longstanding partnership that spans over four decades," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "Korean Air has been a pioneer in Asia's commercial aviation industry and today, we are truly honored to welcome Korean into the new 737 MAX family. I am confident these new airplanes will play an important role in Korean Air's fleet modernization program for many years to come."

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements. Beginning in 2017, the new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20% lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s.

The 777-300ER will also receive improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by 2%. Korean Air has configured its 777-300ER with a seating capacity of 277 passengers in a three-class configuration.