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SEOUL- Korean Air (KE) nears completion of a $32.7 billion agreement for new Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines, according to South Korea’s industry ministry during a diplomatic visit to the United States aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
The airline announced plans last year to order 20 Boeing 777-9 and 20 Boeing 787-10 planes, with options for 10 additional aircraft, and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July 2024.
Photo: BriYYZ | FlickrKorean Air Boeing Order
The aircraft portion of the deal is valued at $24.9 billion, while an order for eight spare GE engines with options for two more, plus engine maintenance services, amounts to $7.8 billion.
South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun makes his second visit to Washington, D.C. in a month amid growing global concerns over President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs targeting multiple trading partners and sectors.
Ahn stated the deals would establish foundations for further exchanges between the two countries, with South Korea’s government pledging active support for private-sector cooperation.
A signing ceremony indicating intent to strengthen aerospace partnerships included Minister Ahn, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and executives from Korean Air, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.
South Korea’s industry ministry noted this event represents the first joint ministerial participation between Korea and the United States under Trump’s second administration, raising expectations for expanded cooperation in aviation, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and energy sectors.
Korean Air completed a $1.3 billion acquisition of two-thirds of Asiana Airlines in December, positioning itself to become one of Asia’s largest carriers. The airline unveiled a new plane livery and corporate identity last week.
In related industry news, Malaysia Aviation Group, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines (MH), announced Friday its plan to purchase 30 new Boeing 737 aircraft for 2029 delivery, while Japan Airlines revealed Wednesday its intention to acquire 17 additional Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
ALSO READ: Korean Air New Branding, 787 & A330 Livery, Meals and More
Photo: Korean AirNew Branding
Korean Air revealed its redesigned aircraft livery during a ceremony at Seoul Gimpo International Airport, displaying the new look on a Boeing 787-10 aircraft inside a company hangar. The updated design preserves Korean Air’s signature deep blue color while embracing a minimalist aesthetic that follows current industry trends.
The airline’s traditional “Taegeuk” symbol, which draws inspiration from Korea’s “Sangmo” hat dance and rotating aircraft engines, now features a more stylized appearance. Korean Air has enlarged both this emblem and the “Korean” wordmark, introducing a new font with smoother curves and brushstroke-inspired elements. The logo now appears on the aircraft’s underside as well.
Following modern airline design practices, Korean Air has removed the cheatline—the decorative horizontal stripe traditionally featured along the aircraft body—replacing it with a smooth, flowing curve. The carrier implemented newly developed paint technology to achieve a shiny, metallic effect on the livery.
David Pacey, executive vice president for inflight service and lounges, stated that the redesign aims to transform “the mindset” both internally within the airline and in external perception.
The corporate rebranding coincides with Korean Air’s ongoing merger with Asiana Airlines. Pacey explained that the vision driving this transformation seeks to evolve Korean Air “from being a Korean airline to a global airline based in Korea.”
Asiana currently operates as a Korean Air subsidiary and will continue functioning independently during a two-year transition period before complete integration on January 1, 2027. The repainting process will begin with Korean Air’s fleet, with each aircraft requiring two weeks for a full repaint, while Asiana planes will receive the new livery after the complete merger date.
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