Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, confirming arrangements with Japan Airlines and Korean Air for up to 80 planes. This development follows a period when Airbus had gained ground with these airlines after complications surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max.
Boeing’s sales operations head, Brad McMullen, expressed appreciation for the long-standing relationship with Japan Airlines, noting their ongoing commitment to modernizing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional aircraft, while Korean Air has secured orders for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also including an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event in the aviation industry. Recently, Japan Airlines made headlines by purchasing 11 Airbus A321neo jets, marking the first instance of the airline acquiring a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor other than Boeing. This purchase reflected an ongoing shift in the airline’s strategy as they faced issues with Boeing’s 737 Max.
Similarly, Korean Air’s recent orders from Airbus were seen as a response to the delays faced by Boeing’s 777X aircraft, which is nearing regulatory approval. Boeing’s commercial airplanes division head, Stephanie Pope, highlighted the significance of Boeing’s aircraft in Korean Air’s history and emphasized the 777X and 787 Dreamliner’s role in the airline’s objectives for sustainability and growth.