Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development follows a period during which Airbus made inroads with these carriers after Boeing faced challenges related to the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the long-term partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to continue using the 787 Dreamliner as they upgrade their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners with options for an additional 10, while Korean Air has placed orders for 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with the option to add 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” is particularly relevant in light of previous reports indicating that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines in March, marking the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle jet from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This occurred amid ongoing issues surrounding the 737 Max and significant production slowdowns.
In a similar vein, reports indicated that Airbus had secured orders for several wide-body jets from Korean Air, which traditionally relies heavily on Boeing aircraft. This was perceived as a rejection of the 777x, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplane division, highlighted the honor of being chosen by Korean Air for their largest and most efficient widebody airplanes. She noted that Boeing aircraft have been pivotal for Korean Air over the past half-century and emphasized the commitment of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner to support the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.