Boeing has made significant strides in securing new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company announced on Monday that it has finalized orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement comes in the wake of Airbus making advances with these carriers during the troubles faced by Boeing regarding its 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, the head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction in a statement, saying, “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.”
The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines will be acquiring 10 Dreamliners, with the option to purchase an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This development highlights Boeing’s efforts to reclaim its position after Airbus previously sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first instance of the airline purchasing a single-aisle aircraft from a non-Boeing manufacturer. Additionally, reports indicated that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which has traditionally relied on Boeing aircraft. This was viewed as a possible snub to Boeing’s 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the significance of these orders: “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.”