Boeing has announced significant orders for its premier aircraft models, confirming on Monday that it secured commitments for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This follows a period when French competitor Airbus had made inroads with these airlines amidst issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, stated, “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.”
This announcement coincided 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 an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, along with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The term “long-standing partnership” recalls a report from March indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking its first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This move came as the A321neo competes with the 737 Max, which was dealing with significant challenges at that time.
Bloomberg had also reported that Airbus sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air around the same period, which has primarily operated Boeing aircraft. This order was seen as a slight to the 777X, which is only now nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed her gratitude, stating, “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.”