Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. On Monday, the company confirmed it has secured commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development suggests that Boeing is actively countering competition from Airbus, which had gained ground with these carriers after issues arose with the 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to reselect the 787 Dreamliner as they work to modernize their fleet. The announcement coincides with the start of the Farnborough International Airshow, a pivotal event for the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
This partnership is notable, especially in light of a previous report from March when Airbus secured an order for 11 A321neo jets from Japan Airlines, marking the first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo directly competes with Boeing’s 737 Max, which faced significant challenges at that time.
Additionally, it was reported that Airbus also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, a carrier that predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This move was perceived as a potential snub to the 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
In response to the orders, Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that Boeing is honored by Korean Air’s choice of its largest and most efficient widebody aircraft to enhance its global network capacity. She emphasized Boeing’s longstanding association with Korean Air and the role of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner in supporting the airline’s objectives for sustainability and future growth.