Boeing has announced significant orders for its flagship aircraft, revealing on Monday that it has secured commitments for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This move comes as a response to competitor Airbus making strides with these airlines following a previous setback related to Boeing’s 737 Max.
During the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry, Japan Airlines confirmed plans to acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for another 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for 20 units of the 777-9 model and 20 of the 787-10, with the possibility of 10 additional 787-10s.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to continue its partnership, emphasizing the importance of the 787 Dreamliner in modernizing their fleet.
The announcement comes on the heels of previous reports indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a notable shift as it was the first time the airline purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, Airbus was reported to have sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which traditionally has a fleet dominated by Boeing aircraft.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody planes aligns with their long-term sustainability and growth goals, highlighting Boeing’s historic partnership with the airline over the past 50 years.