Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This move follows a recent challenge from French competitor Airbus, which had made inroads with these airlines after concerns over the 737 Max aircraft emerged earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations chief, expressed gratitude toward Japan Airlines for their continued partnership and their decision to select the 787 Dreamliner as they upgrade their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with the option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with the possibility of adding 10 more 787-10 aircraft.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” highlights 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 instance of the airline buying a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This purchase occurred alongside ongoing issues with the 737 Max, leading to significant production delays for Boeing.
Additionally, Bloomberg reported that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which has traditionally operated a fleet dominated by Boeing aircraft. This order was interpreted as a slight to Boeing’s 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
“We are honored that Korean Air has chosen our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to enhance its global operations,” said Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division. She emphasized that Boeing has been a vital partner for Korean Air over the last 50 years, stating that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will play key roles in the airline’s sustainability and growth strategies.