Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The company revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 planes, indicating its intent to regain momentum after facing competition from Airbus. This development comes in light of prior orders placed by these carriers with Airbus during Boeing’s challenges with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to re-select the 787 Dreamliner to modernize their fleet. The announcement coincides with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event for the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has committed to 10 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 more, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the option for an additional 10 787-10s.
This latest partnership is noteworthy, particularly as it follows a report that indicated Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift from solely acquiring Boeing’s single-aisle planes. At the same time, reports emerged that Airbus had sold wide-body jets to Korean Air, traditionally a Boeing customer, suggesting that these moves were partially influenced by Boeing’s struggles with the 777x program.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s advanced aircraft, reaffirming the long-standing relationship that has endured over the last 50 years. She emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will align with Korean Air’s goals for sustainability and growth in the future.