Korean Air is giving Boeing a $36 billion boost

Core Viewpoint - Korean Air has made a significant commitment to Boeing with a $36.2 billion purchase order for 103 aircraft, marking the airline's largest order and Boeing's largest widebody order from an Asian carrier [1][2]. Group 1: Purchase Details - The order includes 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and eight Boeing 777-8F freighters, with deliveries expected by the end of 2030 [1]. - In addition to the aircraft order, Korean Air signed a $690 million deal for 19 spare engines and a $13 billion, 20-year engine maintenance service contract with GE Aerospace [8]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The massive order is intended to support Korean Air's expansion to more destinations in the US, Latin America, and South America [3]. - This investment is seen as crucial for the future competitiveness of the merged airline with Asiana Airlines, which Korean Air acquired last year [10]. Group 3: Economic Impact - Boeing's press release indicated that the order would support an estimated 135,000 jobs across the US [2]. - Boeing reported a sales increase of 35% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting a potential turnaround in business performance [9].