Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The announcement was made on Monday, underscoring Boeing’s resilience following competition from Airbus, which had previously captured market share during challenges faced by Boeing, particularly due to issues with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, which will acquire 10 Dreamliners with options for 10 additional units. Korean Air has placed an order for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10s, with a possibility for 10 more 787-10s.
These developments were revealed on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant event in the aviation industry. The recent orders highlight a turning point, especially as reports earlier this year indicated Airbus secured orders for 11 A321neo jets from Japan Airlines, marking a shift in their procurement strategy away from Boeing products.
Additionally, there were reports of Airbus selling several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This indicated a challenge for Boeing, particularly with the upcoming 777X aircraft seeking regulatory approval.
In response to the latest orders, Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, noted the continued significance of Boeing aircraft in Korean Air’s operations and emphasized their commitment to supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.