Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker revealed on Monday that it secured commitments for up to 80 planes, demonstrating its determination to regain market presence after facing competition from rival Airbus following challenges with its 737 Max aircraft.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their commitment to modernizing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key industry event. Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with an option for another 10 of the latter.
This development comes after earlier reports indicated that Airbus had secured orders for 11 A321neo jets from Japan Airlines, marking a notable shift as it was the first time the airline purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which mainly operates Boeing aircraft, suggesting a strategic shift in purchasing decisions.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, welcomed Korean Air’s decision, emphasizing the vital role Boeing planes have played in the airline’s operations over the past 50 years. She noted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner would align with the airline’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.