Boeing finalizes 103-jet order from Korean Air

The Boeing Company and Korean Air finalized an order for 103 aircraft valued at $36.2 billion at list prices. The agreement includes 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s and eight 777-8 freighters. Reuters reported that the planes will support Korean Air's fleet expansion after integrating Asiana Airlines, with about 80% expected to replace older aircraft. Aviation consultancy IBA estimates the actual value after typical discounts at roughly $12.6 billion.

The deal expands a commercial backlog that stood at more than 6,200 aircraft worth $596.7 billion as of June 30, up from $567.3 billion at the end of 2025. Boeing's 737 backlog already exceeds 4,000 aircraft extending into the 2030s. The company added its Everett North Line to stabilize output as it transitions toward 47 737s per month, while delivering 40 787s in the first half of 2026 compared with 37 a year earlier.

Production bottlenecks continue to constrain deliveries. Reuters reported wing-supply issues have slowed 737 MAX stabilization, while 787 output sits at eight planes monthly instead of the targeted 10. Deliveries in August fell to 51 aircraft from 57 a year earlier. Furthermore, only the 787 among the ordered models is currently certified, as the 777-8 Freighter remains in development.

These manufacturing limits weigh on financial performance. Boeing lowered its 2026 free cash flow forecast to approximately $2 billion from $3 billion, against about $26 billion in net debt. While the Korean Air commitment secures long-term demand visibility, monetizing the order depends on overcoming factory delays.