Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's top flag carrier, said Wednesday that it plans to purchase 100 new passenger jets, a move aimed at enhancing its global competitiveness by replacing aging planes and improving customer convenience.
Under memoranda of understanding signed each with Boeing and Airbus overnight in France, Korean Air agreed to buy 50 B737 Max-8s and 50 A321 NEOs from the two plane manufacturers.
(Yonhap)
It will cost the airline some $12.23 billion won, the largest purchase deal recorded in airline history here.
Boeing's short- and mid-range B737 Max-8 and Airbus A321 NEO are regarded as next-generation passenger jets that consume 15-20 percent less fuel than other planes of the same class.
They also produce less noise and emissions and require lower maintenance costs, experts say.
The new airplanes will be added to the Korean Air fleet in phases from 2019 to 2025, replacing its aging B737 planes.
Korea Air expects that the new passenger jets will enhance convenience for customers who travel on its short- and mid-range flights and create synergy in attracting more travelers by providing more options for transit travelers. (Yonhap)