Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker reported on Monday that it secured commitments for up to 80 aircraft, indicating a response to competition from French rival Airbus, which had previously made inroads with these airlines following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, emphasized the strength of the partnership with Japan Airlines, stating that the airline is continuing to modernize its fleet with the re-selection of the 787 Dreamliner. The announcement coincided with the start of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry.
Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
This development comes in light of previous reports highlighting Airbus’ sales to both Japan Airlines and Korean Air, marking a significant moment as Japan Airlines purchased A321neo jets from Airbus, breaking a long-standing pattern of exclusively buying from Boeing. Similarly, Korean Air’s recent acquisition of wide-body jets from Airbus was viewed as a shift away from its predominantly Boeing fleet.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude towards Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s wide-body aircraft to enhance its global operations. She noted the long-standing relationship between the two companies and the role Boeing planes have played in Korean Air’s operations over the past five decades. Pope emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support the airline’s future growth and sustainability strategies.