Boeing has announced significant orders for two of its largest aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner and the 777 double-aisle planes. The company revealed on Monday that it secured commitments for up to 80 aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This comes as a response to recent competition from Airbus, which had begun to make inroads with these carriers following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines’ decision to continue investing in the 787 Dreamliner, highlighting the longstanding relationship between the two companies. The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry.
Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners, with an option to purchase 10 more, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 additional 787-10s.
This order marks a significant moment for Boeing, especially considering previous reports indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a shift in the airline’s purchasing patterns. Additionally, Korean Air has also been noted as moving towards Airbus for wide-body jets, potentially signaling a challenge to Boeing’s dominance as the 777x approaches regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed pride in Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s widebody aircraft, emphasizing the company’s long-standing relationship and its commitment to supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.