Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The aircraft manufacturer revealed on Monday that it secured commitments for up to 80 planes from the two airlines, marking a notable response to French competitor Airbus, which had made inroads with these carriers following issues related to Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Boeing’s sales operations head, Brad McMullen, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines’ renewed commitment to the 787 Dreamliner, highlighting the strong partnership between the two entities as the airline modernizes its fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has agreed to purchase 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also including an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to the “long-standing partnership” is significant, especially in light of a previous report which indicated that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing for the airline. This sale occurred during a challenging period for Boeing as it faced a production downturn due to the ongoing crisis related to the 737 Max.
Additionally, reports indicated that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which primarily operates a Boeing fleet, suggesting that the order was a strategic decision amid the 777X’s delayed regulatory clearance.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that the selection of Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody aircraft underscores the enduring relationship between Boeing and Korean Air, which spans over 50 years. She emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will play a crucial role in supporting the airline’s sustainability objectives and future growth plans.