Boeing announced significant new orders for its largest aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker revealed on Monday that it secured orders for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes. This development counters recent advancements by French rival Airbus, which had made inroads during the aftermath of Boeing’s 737 Max issues earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision, stating, “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet.”
The announcement coincides with the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent industry event. Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 more. Korean Air has committed to twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, with the option for an additional 10 787-10s.
This expansion of the partnership recalls a Reuters report from March, noting Japan Airlines’ purchase of 11 Airbus A321neo jets, marking their first single-aisle plane acquisition from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This move was significant as the A321neo competes directly with Boeing’s 737 Max, which had been facing significant challenges.
Similarly, Bloomberg reported that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, a fleet predominantly composed of Boeing aircraft. This was seen as a potential slight toward Boeing’s 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed honor at Korean Air’s selection, saying, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network. Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”