Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are pursuing official financing from the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) for Boeing aircraft acquisitions, according to Dailian on Wednesday.
Korean Air has submitted two separate applications to EXIM for final commitment approval totalling an unspecified number of Boeing jets. Asiana submitted one application. All three deals are understood to have reached the final commitment stage. EXIM's backing would reduce borrowing costs compared to commercial financing and reflects demand for aircraft in a region where capacity expansion drives fleet modernisation.
Korean Air operates roughly 500 aircraft and is integrating Asiana's fleet after acquiring the competitor. The combined group serves more than 200 destinations globally. Asiana's financial stress following the 2011 crash required a government rescue, and the Hyundai Group acquisition of Korean Air in 2021 was part of consolidating Korea's aviation sector.
Korean Air's market capitalisation was ₩10.6 trillion as of September 2. The airline earned ₩647.3bn of net income in FY2025 on consolidated revenue of ₩25.2 trillion. Aircraft financing typically stretches 15-20 years, with EXIM loans granted at rates tied to US government borrowing costs plus a spread.
kstock reads DART every morning and writes up what moved — the contract, the buyback, the number that does not add up. The daily post and a Saturday roundup, by email.
| Symbol | Last Price |
|---|---|
| 003490Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. | ₩30,200 +3.6% |