Thursday, March 27, 2025
Korean Air has deepened its partnership with GE Aerospace, securing advanced GEnx and GE9X engines to power its new Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft in a major fleet upgrade.
Korean Air has strengthened its strategic partnership with GE Aerospace through a significant order of advanced GEnx and GE9X engines, which will power the airline’s new Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft. This landmark agreement marks the latest chapter in a long-standing relationship between the two companies, aimed at modernizing and expanding Korean Air’s fleet.
Russell Stokes, President and CEO of GE Aerospace’s Commercial Engines and Services division, expressed his appreciation for the trust that Korean Air has placed in the company once again. “We are honored that Korean Air continues to choose GE Aerospace to power their fleet upgrades and expansion. This order underscores the deepening of our long-term partnership,” said Stokes.
In addition to the engine purchase, the deal includes a service agreement for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for the GE9X engines. With this move, Korean Air becomes the first airline in South Korea to operate the groundbreaking GE9X, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s journey.
Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group, highlighted the importance of this partnership in the airline’s growth vision. “GE Aerospace’s cutting-edge engine technology is integral to our commitment to excellence and innovation. This collaboration plays a crucial role in realizing our ambition of becoming the world’s most admired airline,” Cho said.
The GEnx engine family, introduced by GE Aerospace in 2011, has seen tremendous success, accumulating over 62 million flight hours. This high-performance engine, known for its efficiency and reliability, remains the fastest-selling high-thrust engine in GE Aerospace’s history. With more than 3,600 engines already in operation or on backlog, including spares, the GEnx is a key player in powering Boeing 787 aircraft, with two-thirds of the fleet already relying on it.
The GE9X engine, designed specifically for the Boeing 777X series, takes the industry to new heights. As the most powerful commercial aircraft engine globally, it offers a remarkable 10% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, the GE90-115B. Additionally, the GE9X delivers emissions that are considered a leap forward, setting a new standard in environmental performance for the aviation industry.
Both the GEnx and GE9X engines are certified to operate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends, reflecting GE Aerospace’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of air travel.
Korean Air already operates a diverse fleet powered by GE Aerospace and CFM engines, including the GE90-110B/115B, LEAP-1B, and CFM56-7B engines. To further enhance operational safety and performance, Korean Air also leverages GE Aerospace’s advanced Flight Data Monitoring system, Safety Insight. This system allows the airline to harness powerful data analytics, automation, and real-time data processing to ensure the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.
As Korean Air continues its ambitious expansion and modernization plans, this strengthened collaboration with GE Aerospace positions both companies to lead the way in transforming the future of air travel, with an unwavering focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
