Boeing has announced significant orders for its large aircraft models, securing commitments for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development, revealed on Monday, indicates that the U.S. aircraft manufacturer is responding to competitive pressure from Airbus, which had gained some ground in the Japanese market following Boeing’s challenges with its 737 Max aircraft.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their choice to continue using the 787 Dreamliner as they enhance their fleet. This announcement coincides with the start of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent 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 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This partnership announcement also recalls a report from March, which stated that Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a departure from its exclusive reliance on Boeing for single-aisle aircraft amid the 737 Max scandal and production delays. Additionally, it was reported that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, a notable client primarily composed of Boeing aircraft, suggesting a possible competitive move against the 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that Korean Air’s selection of their largest and most efficient wide-body planes will help the airline expand its global network. She emphasized the historical significance of Boeing’s aircraft in Korean Air’s operations over the last five decades, noting that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will play crucial roles in the airline’s sustainability and growth goals.