Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The company secured orders for up to 80 planes as it works to counter previous gains made by Airbus during Boeing’s 737 Max issues in January.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines’ decision to continue modernizing its fleet with the 787 Dreamliner, highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two companies.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners with the option to purchase an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed orders for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
Boeing’s emphasis on partnerships comes in light of reports earlier this year that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This decision was part of the competition concerning the 737 Max at a time when Boeing was facing severe setbacks.
Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which traditionally operates a fleet primarily composed of Boeing products. The move was perceived as a challenge to the new 777X model by Boeing, which is approaching regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s most efficient widebody airplanes, noting the integral role Boeing’s aircraft have played in the airline’s operations over the past 50 years. She conveyed confidence that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will align with the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.