Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments from Japan Airlines and Korean Air for up to 80 planes. The announcement came on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow. Japan Airlines is set to take 10 Dreamliners with the option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their choice to continue modernizing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. This order reflects Boeing’s response after Airbus made inroads with both carriers during earlier issues related to the 737 Max.
Previously, Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a significant shift as it was the first time the airline acquired a single-aisle plane from anyone other than Boeing. At the same time, news surfaced of Airbus selling wide-body jets to Korean Air, which traditionally has a Boeing-dominated fleet.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, welcomed the selection of their aircraft, emphasizing the partnership that has lasted over half a century. She noted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to align with Korean Air’s sustainable growth objectives.