Boeing

Korean Air today took delivery of its 100th Boeing [NYSE: BA] airplane, a 747-400 Extended Range Freighter, nearly 33 years to the day after it received its first Boeing airplane, a 707.

The 747-400ERF delivered today is the 58th 747 delivered to Korean Air, and one of nine 747 derivatives the airline has ordered. Korean Air is now the world's largest 747-400ERF operator, with five in service and two more on order.

"The Korean Air-Boeing relationship is a magnificent example of the strength that comes from years of friendship, hard work, and a mutual dedication to excellence that has become legend," said Mike Cave, senior vice president -- Airplane Programs in Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are honored and humbled to be a part of Korean Air's success, and it is my belief that we are just beginning this tremendous relationship."

Since receiving its 707, Korean Air has operated several Boeing models, including the Next-Generation 737, 747, 777, DC-9, DC-10, MD-11, and MD-80. McDonnell Douglas, which is now part of Boeing, provided the DC and MD jets.

Cave added that as partners, Korean Air and Boeing have exchanged many ideas, faced some challenges and celebrated tremendous accomplishments. As a result, Korean Air is the only commercial airline in the world with passenger, cargo and aerospace divisions.

"With the 747 Freighter family as the choice for Korean Air's cargo operation, the airline is well on its way to meeting its goal to become the air-cargo transportation industry leader and leading cargo carrier of the 21 st century," Cave said.

The 747-400ERF has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,775 kg) and a maximum payload of 248,600 pounds (112,760 kg). The airplane's range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) makes it ideal for routes between such city pairs as New York to Frankfurt, London to Seoul, or Tokyo to Los Angeles. Typical cruise speed for the 747-400ERF is 560 mph (901 km/h).