Boeing has recently announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company revealed on Monday that it secured commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This move comes after Airbus made inroads with these carriers following challenges faced by Boeing, particularly with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership with Japan Airlines as they continue to modernize their fleet with the re-selection of the 787 Dreamliner.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines plans to acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, along with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” with Japan Airlines highlights a change in dynamics; earlier this year, Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first occasion the airline bought a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor. The A321neo directly competes with the 737 Max, which was dealing with significant challenges at that time.
Around the same period, Bloomberg reported that Airbus had also secured several wide-body jet orders from Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This order was seen as a potential setback for Boeing’s 777x program, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the importance of the orders from Korean Air, noting that Boeing aircraft have been integral to the airline for the past 50 years. She emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will assist in Korean Air’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.