Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company revealed on Monday that it secured orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development comes after Airbus had previously made inroads with these carriers following the issues with Boeing’s 737 Max in January, indicating that Boeing is actively reclaiming its market position.
“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,” stated Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations chief.
The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key industry event. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional planes, while Korean Air has requested 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, along with the option for another 10 787-10s.
This reaffirmation of partnership hints at a shift in the market, as a Reuters report from March noted that Japan Airlines had ordered 11 A321neo jets from Airbus—a first for the carrier in acquiring a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the 737 Max, which was facing a major scandal and production delays at that time.
Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus had secured orders for several wide-body jets from Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This was seen as a signal against Boeing’s 777X, which is only now approaching regulatory approval.
“We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network,” said Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division. “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 sustainability and growth objectives.”