Boeing has announced significant orders for its largest aircraft models, securing commitments for up to 80 units of the 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement was made on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations chief, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines, stating, “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.” Japan Airlines has agreed to purchase 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10.
Korean Air has placed orders for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 aircraft, with an option for 10 more 787-10s. The orders highlight a response to recent competitive actions by Airbus, which secured orders from these carriers following issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max.
In March, it was reported that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a significant moment as it was the first time Japan Airlines had acquired a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Additionally, Bloomberg indicated that Korean Air also ordered several wide-body jets from Airbus, which was perceived as a setback for Boeing, particularly for the 777X model.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, noted the importance of these aircraft to Korean Air’s operations, stating, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network. 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 goals for sustainability and continued growth.”