Korean Air (KRX:003490) is pursuing US Export-Import Bank financing for an aircraft order worth roughly ₩54 trillion, spanning wide-body and narrow-body Boeing jetliners needed to refresh its international fleet. The US EXIM received the financing application in May 2026, with final approval moving through the bank's commitments pipeline.
Korean Air and Jeju Air, a low-cost peer, are jointly pursuing US government financing as both carriers order Boeing 737 MAX and 787 aircraft. Boeing production backlogs and extended delivery cycles have encouraged airlines to tap government export financing, which covers up to 85% of aircraft costs at rates competitive with commercial borrowing.
Korean Air's market capitalisation was ₩10.7 trillion at Thursday's close. The airline's fleet age exceeds global average as strike disruptions and pandemic postponements delayed retirement of older aircraft. First-half 2026 capital expenditures totalled ₩1.8 trillion, with aircraft orders representing the largest commitment.
US EXIM financing requires official end-use documentation and compliance with US export protocols, typical for carrier orders exceeding ₩50 trillion.
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| Symbol | Last Price |
|---|---|
| 003490Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. | ₩30,200 +3.6% |