Friday, March 21, 2025 South Korea is gearing up for one of its most transformative moments in aviation history as Korean Air edges closer to finalizing a $32.7 billion mega-deal with Boeing and GE Aerospace. The agreement, revealed during a high-profile diplomatic mission to the United States, marks a bold step toward fortifying both commercial and strategic ties between the two nation At the core of this monumental deal is Korean Air’s plan to supercharge its long-haul capabilities .
The airline is acquiring 40 wide-body aircraft —including 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 Boeing 787-10s —with options to purchase 10 more jets. The value of the aircraft portion alone stands at $24.9 billion .
Meanwhile, an additional $7.8 billion will go toward spare GE Aerospace engines and long-term maintenance solutions, ensuring operational efficiency for years to come. This agreement represents more than just an aircraft purchase—it is a symbol of industrial alignment and future-focused cooperation .
With aerospace, semiconductors, and energy identified as shared growth frontiers, the South Korea–US partnership is preparing for deeper integration across critical sectors. Korean Air’s Evolution Gains Altitude The aerospace deal comes on the heels of Korean Air’s strategic acquisition of a controlling stake in Asiana Airlines , completed in late 2024. The consolidation is creating a regional powerhouse that will eventually merge into a single entity by January 2027 , reshaping the co.
