Boeing has announced significant new orders for its large aircraft, revealing on Monday that it has secured requests for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air, specifically its 787 Dreamliner and 777 models. This move comes as a response to increased competition from Airbus, which had gained traction with these airlines following issues related to Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, emphasizing their decision to select the 787 Dreamliner as they enhance their fleet.
The announcement coincided with the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners with options for an additional 10. Korean Air has ordered 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
This ongoing relationship highlights previous reports indicating a shift when Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking their first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo directly competes with the 737 Max, which was facing production challenges at the time.
Additionally, there were reports of Airbus also selling wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly flies Boeing aircraft. This move was perceived as a slight to Boeing, particularly concerning the 777X, which is approaching regulatory clearance.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated her honor in Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s wide-body models, asserting that these planes will support the airline’s goals for sustainability and growth in its global network.