Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement, made on Monday, indicates that Boeing has secured orders for up to 80 planes. The move is seen as a response to Airbus’s previous gains among these airlines, particularly after Boeing faced challenges earlier this year with its 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations chief, expressed appreciation for the enduring relationship with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to continue investing in the 787 Dreamliner to modernize their fleet.
This announcement coincided with 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, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, plus an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” recalls a Reuters report from March, which noted that Japan Airlines had purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift as it was the first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor to Boeing. This purchase came amid ongoing issues with the 737 Max, which was experiencing a production slowdown due to a significant scandal.
Furthermore, similar reports surfaced about Korean Air purchasing several wide-body jets from Airbus, contrasting with its traditionally Boeing-dominated fleet. This decision was interpreted as a rejection of the newly developed 777X model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody aircraft will enhance its global operations, emphasizing Boeing’s long-standing role in supporting Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives over the last five decades.