Boeing announced on Monday that it has secured substantial orders for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development follows a period when French competitor Airbus made inroads after Boeing’s 737 Max faced issues in January, indicating that Boeing is actively reclaiming its market share.
“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,” said Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, in a statement.
This announcement coincided with the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent industry trade event. Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 more. Korean Air has committed to twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, with an additional option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” highlights a Reuters report from March, which noted that Airbus sold 11 of its A321neo jets to Japan Airlines. This marked the first time Japan Airlines purchased single-aisle planes from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes with Boeing’s 737 Max, which was amid a significant scandal and production slowdown at that time.
Similarly, Bloomberg reported that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, where Boeing planes constitute the majority of the fleet. This move was seen as a slight to the 777x, which is nearing regulatory clearance.
“We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network,” said Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division. “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.”