Boeing has delivered a new 787-9 Dreamliner to Korean Air, making the airline first to operate the aircraft type in South Korea.

The new aircraft will be deployed on Korean Air’s long-haul flight routes from Seoul to Toronto, Madrid and Zurich by later this year.

The carrier is expected to add five new 787-9 Dreamliners to its fleet this year, and five more by 2019.

Korean Air president Walter Cho said: “The 787 Dreamliner will be a key member of Korean Air's fleet as we continue to introduce next-generation airplanes to our customers.

“The aircraft is fuel-efficient, quiet, has lower operating costs and is spacious and very elegant.  The cabin features are impressive and will ensure maximum comfort for Korean Air's passengers.”

“The 787 Dreamliner will be a key member of Korean Air's fleet as we continue to introduce next-generation airplanes to our customers."

The airline currently operates a fleet of 175 aircraft, serving 132 cities in 46 countries worldwide.

Korean Air’s new 787-9 Dreamliner consumes 20% less fuel and releases 20% fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

In addition, Boeing entered a deal to support the management of UAE-based airline flydubai’s 737 MAX aircraft.

As part of the contract, Boeing will provide its software distribution tools to improve maintenance and engineering operations as well as safety and efficiency across flydubai’s 737 fleet.

Image: Korean Air’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.