Boeing has announced significant orders for its largest aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 units of the 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development comes after Airbus had gained some ground with these airlines during the aftermath of Boeing’s 737 Max issues earlier this year, indicating that Boeing is actively responding to the competition.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the long-term collaboration with Japan Airlines, emphasizing their choice to reselect the 787 Dreamliner as they upgrade their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 additional units. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to their “long-standing partnership” is notable, considering a previous report indicated that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking its first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This event occurred during a challenging period for Boeing, when the 737 Max faced a major scandal and production slowdowns.
Additionally, reports suggest that Airbus also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, traditionally a Boeing customer. This move was seen as a slight against the 777x, which is only now approaching regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude for Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s most efficient widebody models, highlighting the role of Boeing aircraft in the airline’s operations for the past 50 years. She noted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner would help support Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives.