Korean Air announced plans to order 10 787-9 and 10 787-10 aircraft from Boeing at the Paris Air show, and will lease an additional 10 787-10 aircraft from AirLease corporation. This represents 20 new orders for Boeing, valued at $6.3 billion at current list prices.
Currently a 787-9 and 777 operator, the 787-10 will compliment their existing fleet. Korean Air Chairman Walter Cho stated “As we continue to innovate our product offering, the 787 Dreamliner family will become the backbone of our long-haul fleet for many years to come. In addition to 25 percent improved fuel efficiency, the stretched 787-10 offers around 15 percent more space for passengers and cargo than our 787-9s, which will be critical to our long-term business goals.”
John L. Plueger, CEO and President of Air Lease Corporation stated “ALC is delighted and honored to bring the 787-10 to Korean Air’s fleet in a joint effort with Boeing. The 787-10 provides significant revenue enhancement to complement Korean’s 787-9 fleet, and the long-term lease of ten 787-10s from ALC will greatly expand the scope and reach of the 787-10 in Korean Air’s global network”
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the strength of our enduring partnership with Korean Air. The airline has been a pioneer in Asia’s commercial aviation industry over the past five decades and Boeing is honored to play an important role in their continued success,” said Kevin McAllister, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
