Boeing has made a significant announcement regarding new orders for its large aircraft. The company revealed on Monday that it has secured commitments for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development follows a period during which Boeing faced increased competition from French rival Airbus after the issues surrounding the 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ continued choice of the 787 Dreamliner as part of their fleet modernization efforts. He highlighted the value of their long-standing partnership.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 of the new 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This partnership renews focus on previous competition, as reported in March when Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines. This marked the first time the airline opted for a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing, amid ongoing challenges facing the 737 Max.
Additionally, there were reports of Airbus securing wide-body jet orders from Korean Air during the same period, which appeared to be a strategic shift as most of Korean Air’s fleet comprises Boeing aircraft. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the honor of being selected by Korean Air and emphasized Boeing’s long-standing collaboration with the airline, asserting that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will contribute to its sustainability and growth objectives.