Boeing has announced major new orders for its wide-body aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 units of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 models from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement comes as a response to recent competition from French rival Airbus, which had gained ground with these airlines following issues related to Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
In a statement, Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to continue investing in the 787 Dreamliner as they update their fleet. The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent event in the aviation industry.
Japan Airlines has agreed to purchase 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional units. Similarly, Korean Air has ordered 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with options for 10 more 787-10s.
This development is particularly significant due to previous reports indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines—marking a departure from its exclusive dealings with Boeing for single-aisle aircraft. This was during a period of challenges for Boeing, amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the 737 Max and a notable production slowdown.
Moreover, there were reports indicating that Airbus also secured several wide-body jet orders from Korean Air, which traditionally operates a fleet primarily consisting of Boeing aircraft. These orders were seen as a potential setback for Boeing’s new 777X, which has faced delays in regulatory approvals.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on the recent orders, stating that Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s advanced aircraft will enhance the airline’s capacity and align with its long-term sustainability and growth objectives. Pope emphasized the longstanding relationship between Boeing and Korean Air, which has spanned over five decades.