Boeing has made significant strides in securing orders for its flagship aircraft, announcing on Monday that Japan Airlines and Korean Air have placed orders for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes. This development indicates that Boeing is actively responding to competition, particularly after Airbus managed to capture market share from these airlines during the fallout surrounding the Boeing 737 Max door plug incident in January.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed satisfaction at Japan Airlines’ decision to choose the 787 Dreamliner as the airline modernizes its fleet. He emphasized the importance of their long-standing partnership.
This announcement coincides with the commencement of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to receive 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, along with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to a longstanding partnership highlights earlier reports from March, indicating that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, which was notable as it marked the first time Japan Airlines purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This occurred during a period of turmoil for Boeing, particularly with the 737 Max scandal and subsequent production decrease.
Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus secured orders for several wide-body jets from Korean Air, a move seen as a setback for Boeing’s 777x, which is still awaiting regulatory clearance.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s newest and most efficient widebody aircraft to enhance its global network. Pope noted that Boeing aircraft have been integral to Korean Air for half a century and reaffirmed that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will aid the airline in achieving its sustainability and growth objectives.