Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing deals with Japan Airlines and Korean Air. On Monday, the company disclosed that it had received orders for up to 80 aircraft as it seeks to regain ground after Airbus made inroads during the recent challenges faced by Boeing.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to continue its partnership with Boeing, stating, “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.”
These announcements were made on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event for the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has secured 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, also with an option for 10 extra 787-10s.
This move comes in light of recent reports indicating that Japan Airlines had previously purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking the airline’s first acquisition of a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor to Boeing. The A321neo competes with Boeing’s 737 Max, which has faced significant issues including a production slowdown.
Similarly, it was reported that Airbus had made sales of several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which primarily operates a fleet of Boeing aircraft. This order was perceived as a snub to Boeing’s 777x, which is only now nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, praised Korean Air’s decision, saying, “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.”