source: GE.com
CINCINNATI, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) announced today that following Korean Air’s agreement to purchase 20 Boeing 777-9s and up to 30 787-10s, the airline has placed an order for GEnx and GE9X engines to power its new aircraft.
“We’re grateful for the Korean Air team putting its trust in us again,” said Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace. “Today’s order represents the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with Korean Air and reaffirms our commitment to support their successful fleet upgrade and expansion.”
The order also includes a service agreement to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GE9X engines. With this order, Korean Air becomes the first GE9X customer in South Korea.
GE Aerospace provides the advanced technology that powers our commitment to excellence,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group. “Our partnership is essential to Korean Air’s vision of becoming the world’s most loved airline.”
Since its introduction in 2011, the GEnx engine family has accumulated over 62 million flight hours. It stands as GE Aerospace’s fastest-selling, high-thrust engine to date, with more than 3,600 engines currently in service and backlog, including spare units. Today, the GEnx engine powers two-thirds of all 787 aircraft currently in operation.
The GE9X engine is the world’s most powerful commercial aircraft engine and the most fuel-efficient engine in its class. Available only on the Boeing 777X family of 777-9 and 777-8 aircraft, the GE9X offers 10% better specific fuel consumption than its predecessor, the GE90-115B, with emissions that are a generation ahead of any competing engine.
Like all GE Aerospace commercial engines, both GEnx and GE9X engines are certified to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends today.
Today, Korean Air operates an extensive fleet of GE Aerospace and CFM powered aircraft that includes GE90-110B/115B, LEAP-1B and CFM56-7B engines. In addition to the engine technology, Korean Air is using GE Aerospace’s industry-leading Flight Data Monitoring system, Safety Insight, to enhance its safety protocols and operational effectiveness through advanced analytics, automation, and high-speed processing of big data.
Notes:
- This deal is essential for GE Aerospace. The engine maker has struggled to get its GE9X to perform as needed on the 777X, and it appears the engine has been a key part of the delays.
- The GE9X is at the pinnacle of large aero engine design, following the highly respected and successful GE90. Getting this engine right is critical for GE Aerospace.
- Korean Air’s selection of both Boeing models is also a crucial signal of confidence. Boeing needs this order, especially for the 777.
- The 777X is a very expensive airplane, and is ordered by customers at the top end of the industry. It is not an airplane you would see at most airlines. A natural flagship, it will replace the 747 and A380. This is a special spot in commercial aviation for the most prominent operators.
An aspect of this deal might be overlooked. Here’s why. The following chart shows 787 deliveries through February 2025. Rolls-Royce has started to fade as an option on the 787. There are a few out there – for example, ElAl is about to take delivery of a former Air China 787-9 with Rolls power. Increasingly, the 787 is going to be a GE-focused airplane.
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