Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company revealed on Monday that Japan Airlines and Korean Air have placed orders for up to 80 planes. This news follows recent advances by Airbus in the market, which had previously capitalized on Boeing’s difficulties with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed the company’s satisfaction in partnering with Japan Airlines, stating, “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet.”
This announcement coincides with the start of the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has requested 20 units of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, along with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” highlights a shift noted in a Reuters report from March, which indicated that Japan Airlines had made its first purchase of a single-aisle plane from Airbus, acquiring 11 A321neo jets amid ongoing issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max.
Furthermore, Bloomberg pointed out that Airbus had also secured several wide-body aircraft orders from Korean Air, historically a Boeing customer. This move was interpreted as a rejection of the 777x, which is still awaiting regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on the Korean Air order, saying, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network. Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”