Boeing has recently announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company revealed on Monday that it has received orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development comes after Airbus had gained ground with these airlines following issues related to Boeing’s 737 Max models earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations head, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ continued trust in the company, as they choose to modernize their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. On the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, Japan Airlines ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 more. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 aircraft and 20 787-10 planes, with the option for an additional 10 787-10s.
This announcement is particularly noteworthy given reports earlier in the year indicating that Japan Airlines had purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking its first acquisition of a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This decision came amid challenges faced by Boeing related to the 737 Max. Similarly, it was reported that Korean Air also placed orders with Airbus for several wide-body jets, signaling a potential shift in their traditional lean towards Boeing.
Stephanie Pope, the head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, highlighted the long-standing relationship between Boeing and Korean Air, stating that the new orders for the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will assist the airline in achieving its sustainability and growth objectives.