Summary
- Korean Air is nearing a multibillion-dollar Boeing 777X order, potentially totaling $4-6 billion.
- This order would signal Korean Air’s intent to grow its long-haul fleet with Boeing in addition to Airbus.
- Boeing’s upcoming Farnborough Air Show presence is expected to be weaker than Airbus’s, but Korean Air’s order could boost its direction.
Reuters is reporting that Korean Air is nearing an order for up to 30 Boeing 777X aircraft and could be ready to announce it at the upcoming Farnborough Airshow in the UK later this month. The Boeing order rumor comes after the airline purchased 33 A350 aircraft from French manufacturer Airbus earlier this year.
A multibillion-dollar order?
Sources have told Reuters that Korean Air could be looking at between 20 and 30 Boeing 777X aircraft, an agreement that would inevitably involve billions of dollars. It estimates the order could total between $4 billion and $6 billion.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
In other words, Boeing may not have lost Korean Air as an important long-haul aircraft customer despite its March order for the A350. The Boeing 777X would also allow Korean Air to transfer existing trained pilots from its 777 fleet currently in operation.
In recent months, Korean Air has been the source of rumors about a possible long-haul aircraft order outside of its recent A350 agreement.
In April, it emerged that the 777X was an option. Last month, Bloomberg News reported that it was instead a choice between Boeing’s 787 and additional A350s. Now, the cycle continues as the 777X resurfaces as the primary option with Reuters sources indicating the focus has indeed shifted.
Fleet growth with Asiana
As mentioned, the idea that Korean Air might return to Boeing for its future fleet plans means it will not be shifting completely to Airbus on the long-haul side. As it stands, ch-aviation data shows Korean Air operates primarily Boeing aircraft for its longer passenger flights. It has:
- 13 787-9s
- 25 777-300ERs
- 8 777-200ERs (these are also primarily used for short/medium-haul routes)
- 8 747-8s
- 9 A380-800s
- 2 A330-200s (these are also used for short/medium-haul routes)
This list does not include Asiana’s long-haul fleet, which would be included once the two airlines merge. The deal already has approval from the EU Commission, which green-lit it back in February this year. To ease some of its concerns, Asiana agreed to sell its cargo arm and committed to relinquish four European routes connecting Seoul Incheon (ICN) with Frankfurt, Barcelona, Rome, and Paris. Low-cost carrier T’way Air is currently in the works to begin flights in those sectors.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Boeing’s Farnborough outlook
Compared to usual, Boeing’s presence at the Farnborough Airshow is expected to be a lot quieter. In terms of planes on display, it has already confirmed that it will not be bringing 737 MAX or 777X test aircraft. Instead, a Qatar Airways 787-9 and a Royal Air Force (RAF) P-8 Poseidon will complete the manufacturer’s presence at what is one of the world’s most renowned air shows.
The company is not expected to have as big of an order success as Airbus, which has taken the lead overall in the ever-ongoing competition between the two manufacturers. A commitment from Korean Air could help push Boeing in a better direction, further solidifying its presence in the long-haul market despite the hit its reputation has taken in recent times.
Photo: Ian Dewar Photography | Shutterstock
The 777-9 first flew in January 2020 and has since been in the certification phase. It was expected to complete this stage within 2 years but was delayed, given heightened regulatory scrutiny following the two fatal 737 MAX accidents. As reported by Simple Flying earlier today, Boeing has now granted the 777-9 its Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). Formal certification flying began yesterday evening.
Related
Boeing Will Not Bring 737 MAX Or 777X Test Aircraft To Farnborough Airshow 2024
Instead, Boeing will be represented with a Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9 and a Royal Air Force (RAF) P-8 Poseidon.
According to its own orders and delivery data, Boeing has nearly 500 orders for its 777X program.