Korean Air Lines Co

Boeing and Korean Air finalized an order for 103 aircraft worth $36.2 billion at list prices, comprising 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s and eight 777-8 freighters. Reuters reported the aircraft will support Korean Air's fleet expansion following its integration of Asiana Airlines, with about 80% expected to replace existing aircraft, while IBA estimates the order's actual value at about $12.6 billion after typical discounts. The deal adds to a Boeing commercial backlog that already exceeded 6,200 aircraft worth $596.7 billion as of June 30, up from $567.3 billion at the end of 2025, and adds another 50 737-10s to a 737 pipeline that already exceeds 4,000 aircraft and extends into the 2030s. Execution remains the bigger risk: Reuters reported Boeing is taking longer than expected to stabilize 737 MAX production at 47 aircraft per month because of wing-supply problems, while 787 production remains at eight per month rather than the targeted 10, and Boeing cut its 2026 free-cash-flow expectation to about $2 billion from $3 billion against roughly $26 billion of net debt. August deliveries also fell to 51 aircraft from 57 a year earlier.

Japan Airlines (JAL) continued to rise, with its stock price reaching 2,986.5 yen (up 29.50 yen from the previous day). On the 3rd, the company signed a memorandum of understanding regarding a strategic partnership with Korean Air and issued a joint declaration. This partnership aims to strengthen the existing cooperative framework and create new value and customer experiences in Asian and global markets originating from Japan and South Korea. Specifically, it seeks to expand existing collaborations and improve convenience, as well as contribute to the aviation industry and address social issues through cooperation in new areas.

Freightos Limited reported second quarter 2026 results, with platform revenue up 19% and transaction growth of 15%, while management characterized the year as a transition period focused on disciplined execution. Solutions revenue declined 4% due to execution gaps and pricing pressure on renewals, and the company posted a record low adjusted EBITDA loss driven by cost optimization actions initiated in March. Management expects to reach adjusted EBITDA breakeven during the fourth quarter of 2026 and become cash flow generative by mid-2027, supported by a current cash position of $21.4 million. The company also appointed Yaron Eldad as new CFO effective September 1 and added Korean Air as a strategic airline partner.

Korean Air is investing in automated cargo handling and expanded cold storage at its hubs in Seoul and New York. The upgrade of Cargo Terminal 1 at Incheon International Airport, led by Lödige Industries, will install driverless elevating transfer vehicles and automated guided vehicles and is expected to be completed by September, boosting annual cargo handling capacity by 25%. At New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, Korean Air is partnering with Lödige Industries on a next-generation automated system with two new automated elevating transfer vehicles and a larger refrigerated section, targeted for completion by 2027. The airline has not disclosed the investment amount or the square footage of the upgraded cold storage rooms.

Korean Air announced on the 12th that its board of directors approved the integration with its subsidiary Asiana Airlines. The new company will launch on December 17, with the Asiana brand disappearing and being unified under Korean Air. The merged entity will become a mega-carrier with 230 aircraft and 28,000 employees, and its passenger traffic volume is expected to rank around 10th in the world.

Bombardier Défense fournira deux avions Global 6500 pour le programme de guerre électronique de la Corée du Sud, en complément des quatre appareils déjà commandés en octobre 2025 pour les missions d'alerte lointaine et contrôle aéroportés. Korean Air a officialisé l'achat de ces deux avions lors d'une cérémonie de signature à Séoul. Les appareils seront affectés à des missions de brouillage à distance, capables de perturber les signaux électromagnétiques ennemis depuis une distance sûre. Le Global 6500 est privilégié par de nombreux pays pour sa longue distance franchissable et sa capacité à opérer à haute altitude, ce qui en fait une plateforme idéale pour les missions de renseignement, surveillance et reconnaissance.

Delta Air Lines is targeting leadership in the trans-Pacific market, with President Peter Carter stating the carrier plans to become the leading US airline across the Pacific and ultimately the leading global airline. The airline earned more than $5 billion in net profit last year, compared to around $3.35 billion for United Airlines, though its trans-Pacific revenue of $2.79 billion trailed United's roughly $6.89 billion. Delta expects part of its growth to come through its joint venture with Korean Air, which is merging with Asiana Airlines, and recently launched a Los Angeles-Hong Kong service. United CEO Scott Kirby welcomed the competition, while Carter responded, 'Bring 'em on.'