Boeing, Korean Air finalize order for 12 Twin-Aisle Airplanes

Flag carrier Korean Air has finalised an order on US airframer Boeing, for five 747-8i Intercontinentals and six 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners that was originally announced as a commitment during the Paris Air Show earlier in June.

In addition to that commitment, the airline also ordered one additional 787 Dreamliner. The value of the combined order is valued at $3.9 billion at current list prices.

With this order the airline’s backlog of 747-8 Intercontinentals and 777-300ERs expands to ten aircraft of each type. The order also increases Korean Air’s 787 backlog to 11.

Korean Air is currently the only airline in the world to order both the passenger and freighter variations of the 747-8, the 747-8i and 747-8F. The airline also became the first international carrier to simultaneously operate both the 747-8F and 777F Freighter. The airline, along with German flag carrier Deutsche Lufthansa, are the only two carriers to simultaneously operate both the VLA (very large aircraft) of Boeing and Airbus, the 747-8i and A380-800.

Korean Air’s current fleet of operates 90 Boeing passenger airplanes in its fleet; 737s, 747s and 777s.

The airline also operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 27 747-400F, 747-8F and 777F freighters. The airline’s Aerospace Division is also a key Boeing partner on both the 747-8 and 787 programs, supplying the distinctive raked wing-tips for each model.