Korean Air Offloads Five Jets to U.S. Aerospace Firm Sierra Nevada
Korean Air has announced plans to sell five of its planes to U.S. aerospace company Sierra Nevada Corporation, as detailed in an exchange filing on Wednesday. The decision comes in the wake of Sierra Nevada securing a lucrative $13 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop a successor to the E-4B Nightwatch, colloquially known as the Doomsday plane. This aircraft is renowned for its capability to withstand nuclear warfare and serve as a pivotal command and control center during crises.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the specifics of the deal involve Korean Air parting ways with four-engined Boeing 747-8s. These aircraft represent a significant upgrade compared to the current E-4 planes, which are modified Boeing 747-200s from the 1970s.
The sale, valued at approximately 918 billion Korean won (equivalent to $674 million), aligns with Korean Air’s strategic objectives of phasing out older aircraft and modernizing its fleet with newer-generation models. The airline’s filing emphasized this move as part of its medium to long-term plan for fleet management.
According to the filing, the transaction is scheduled for September 2025. This timeline allows Korean Air to facilitate the transition while ensuring operational continuity and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Sierra Nevada Corporation, the recipient of these aircraft, has yet to formally comment on the matter. However, this acquisition signifies a significant development for the company as it expands its portfolio in aerospace and defense, particularly in projects of strategic importance, such as developing the next-generation Doomsday plane.
As Korean Air proceeds with this transaction, it underscores the dynamic nature of the aviation industry, where airlines continuously assess their fleet composition to optimize efficiency, safety, and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
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