Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. On Monday, the company revealed it secured orders for up to 80 planes, highlighting its competitive response after Airbus made inroads with these carriers during recent controversies involving Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, stated, “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet.”
This announcement coincided with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event for the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” comes after a Reuters report in March indicating that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the carrier had purchased a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This shift occurred during a tumultuous period for Boeing, with the ongoing issues surrounding the 737 Max impacting production.
Additionally, Bloomberg reported around the same period that Airbus had secured sales of several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which has a predominantly Boeing fleet. This order was perceived as a rejection of the new 777X model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude that Korean Air has chosen Boeing’s aircraft, saying, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network. Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”