SEOUL, March 21 (Reuters) - Korean Air will

soon finalise a $32.7 billion deal for new Boeing ( BA )

aircraft and GE Aerospace engines, South Korea's industry

ministry said during a visit to the United States to strengthen

bilateral relations.

Korean Air last year said it would order 20 777-9 and 20

787-10 planes from Boeing ( BA ), with options for an additional 10

aircraft, and signed a memorandum of understanding in July.

If finalised, the plane deal would be worth $24.9 billion.

An order for eight spare GE engines, with options for two more,

and engine maintenance services would be worth $7.8 billion,

South Korea's industry ministry said in a statement.

South Korea's Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun is visiting

Washington, D.C. for the second time in a month, as concerns

mount around the world over U.S. President Donald Trump's plan

to impose tariffs on multiple trading partners and sectors.

Ahn said the deals would pave the way for further exchanges

between the two countries and that the South Korean government

would actively support private sector cooperation.

A signing ceremony signalling an intent to strengthen

aerospace partnerships was attended by Ahn, U.S. Secretary of

Commerce Howard Lutnick and executives from Korean Air, Boeing ( BA )

and GE Aerospace.

"This event marks the first joint participation of Ministers

from Korea and the United States under President Trump's second

administration, raising expectations for further cooperation

between the two countries in various areas including aviation,

semiconductors, shipbuilding and energy," South Korea's industry

ministry said.

Korean Air in December completed a $1.3 billion acquisition

of two-thirds of the country's second-largest carrier Asiana

Airlines, which will make it one of Asia's biggest carriers.

It launched a new plane livery and corporate identity last

week.

Malaysia Aviation Group, the parent company of Malaysia

Airlines, said on Friday it would buy 30 new Boeing 737 aircraft

for 2029 delivery, while Japan Airlines ( JPNRF ) said on Wednesday it

planned to buy 17 more Boeing 737-8 aircraft.