Korean Airlines will officially forge new aircraft and engine orders in deals of more than $32.7 billion as airlines seek to speed up their fleet update plans.
SkyTeam operators on March 22nd said they will “develop further” a memorandum signed with Boeing at the 2024 Fernborough Air Show.
Delivery times for the new aircraft are expected to be completed by 2033, says South Korean Airlines. When the order was announced in 2024, Korean was hoping to start deliveries in 2028.
“The airlines are working to secure delivery locations for aircraft and maintain fleet plans at current industry supply conditions,” said South Korean Airlines.
At a briefing earlier in the month, Korean airline executives cited the delay in delivery among the challenges facing airlines that merge with their fellow Asiana Airlines. To alleviate delays, the airline had to fly older aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and 747-8s, for longer periods.
Burning of aircraft commitments comes on the sidelines of visits to the US by South Korean aviation executives and South Korean lawmakers.
Korean Airlines also completes contracts for eight spare GE9X engines, with two more options and an engine MRO contract with GE Aerospace. The GE9X engine boosts the 777-9 delivered by the airline.
