Boeing has made significant strides in securing orders for its major aircraft, announcing on Monday that it has signed contracts for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes with Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development indicates that the American aerospace company is responding proactively after French competitor Airbus gained ground with these airlines following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to continue modernizing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner.
The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has placed an order for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 aircraft, also with an option for 10 more.
This collaboration comes on the heels of Airbus selling 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines earlier this year, marking a shift as it was their first purchase of a single-aisle plane from a competitor other than Boeing, amidst ongoing challenges for the 737 Max. Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus had also secured orders for several wide-body jets from Korean Air, historically a Boeing customer, suggesting a potential shift in their aircraft procurement strategy.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on Korean Air’s selection of their large, efficient wide-body airplanes, emphasizing Boeing’s longstanding relationship with the airline over the past five decades. She noted that both the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will play crucial roles in furthering Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives.