Farnborough Airshow: Korean Air To Buy More Boeing Jets

At the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Korean Air and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Per the paperwork, Korea’s flag carrier intends to purchase 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 Boeing 787-10s, with the option to buy an additional 10 of the latter kind. Korean Air believes both aircraft types will help bolster its long-haul flight network and play a critical role after its merger with Asiana Airlines.

Among the Boeing 777 aircraft family, the 777-9 takes the top spot for its reliability and efficiency. Its wings, made of carbon fibre composites, are longer than those of the older 777 jets. That results in a 10 per cent improvement in fuel consumption. The 777-9 also has the longest fuselage in its family, with a typical seating capacity of between 400 to 420 seats. As far as the range is concerned, it can fly nonstop for more than 13,000km.

Like the 777-9 in its family, the 787-10 is the largest in Boeing’s 787 family of widebody jets. It can carry up to 15 per cent more passengers and cargo than its slightly shorter sibling, the 787-9. Compared to similarly sized aircraft, the Boeing 787-10 offers more than 20 per cent reduction in carbon emissions. Korean Air recently received its first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, which will enter service on July 25, 2024.