Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement reflects Boeing’s proactive response after rival Airbus made inroads with these carriers following issues with the 737 Max in January.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed excitement about the renewed partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to continue modernizing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. The announcement was made on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry.
Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10. Korean Air has placed orders for 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 787-10s, with an option for 10 more 787-10 aircraft.
This renewed partnership comes after reports earlier this year indicated that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the airline purchased single-aisle planes from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Additionally, there were reports of Airbus selling several wide-body aircraft to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, highlighted the significance of the new orders from Korean Air, stating that Boeing has been integral to the airline for the past 50 years. She emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner are essential for supporting Korean Air’s sustainability goals and future growth.