Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes, securing commitments from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The announcement was made on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, signaling the company’s response to competition, particularly from Airbus, which had made inroads with these airlines during Boeing’s recent challenges.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to order 10 Dreamliners with the option for an additional 10 as they upgrade their fleet. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
This news contrasts with reports earlier this year indicating that Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift in its procurement strategy as it was the first time they bought a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, Bloomberg highlighted that Korean Air had ordered several Airbus wide-body jets, which seemed to be a move away from using Boeing planes exclusively, as the airline’s fleet primarily consists of Boeing aircraft.
In response to these new orders, Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed appreciation for Korean Air’s selection of their widebody airplanes, emphasizing Boeing’s integral role in supporting the airline over the past 50 years and their alignment with long-term goals for sustainability and growth.