Korean Airlines Places Order for 23 Boeing Jumbo Jets

The Boeing Co., enjoying soaring demand from the world’s airlines for its long-range jumbo jets, announced today that Korean Airlines has agreed to buy 23 of Boeing’s 747-400 aircraft worth nearly $4 billion.

The order is the third for Boeing in recent weeks from Asian carriers, following sales to China’s Civil Aviation Administration and to Japan Airlines totaling more than $5 billion.

Boeing said the Korean airline placed 12 firm orders for the long-haul planes and reconfirmed its options for another 11 aircraft. It said a reconfirmation, although it can be canceled, is considered a firmer commitment to buy than an option.

The planes are expected to cost $170 million each.

Seattle-based Boeing did not say whether Korean Airlines had chosen an engine for the new planes. United Technologies Corp.’s Pratt & Whitney unit is supplying the engines for nine 747-400s previously ordered by Korean Airlines.