Boeing has announced significant orders for its large aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle models from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development, reported on Monday, indicates that the U.S. manufacturer is actively responding to competition, particularly after Airbus made inroads with these carriers following the issues surrounding the Boeing 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing relationship with Japan Airlines, noting their renewed commitment to the 787 Dreamliner as part of their fleet modernization efforts.
This announcement coincides with the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant event in the aviation sector. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with the option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has placed orders for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 aircraft, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The acknowledgment of a “long-standing partnership” highlights a previous report indicating that Japan Airlines had purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking its first acquisition of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This occurred amid challenges for Boeing, including a production slowdown following the 737 Max scandal.
Additionally, reports emerged around the same time showing that Korean Air had ordered several wide-body jets from Airbus, which some viewed as a slight against the 777X, a model that is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, the head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s largest, most efficient widebody planes to enhance its global network. She emphasized that Boeing’s aircraft have been integral to Korean Air’s operations for the past 50 years and affirmed their commitment to supporting the airline’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.