Boeing announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The U.S. aircraft manufacturer revealed on Monday that it had secured commitments for up to 80 aircraft, a move that underscores its competitive stance following recent encroachments by Airbus.
Boeing’s sales operations head, Brad McMullen, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to continue expanding its fleet with the 787 Dreamliner, highlighting the importance of their long-standing partnership. This announcement coincides with the commencement of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry.
Specifically, Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 additional units. Meanwhile, Korean Air has committed to 20 units of the 777-9 model and 20 of the 787-10, also with an option for 10 extra 787-10 planes.
This development follows reports of Airbus selling 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines in March, marking the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor. At that time, the 737 Max was facing production and reputation challenges. Similarly, Airbus had reportedly made sales of wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft, indicating a strategic shift.
Boeing’s commercial airplanes division head, Stephanie Pope, remarked on Korean Air’s selection of their largest and most efficient widebody airplanes, stating that Boeing’s aircraft have been essential to the airline’s operations for the last 50 years. She emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner would play crucial roles in supporting Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives.