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 announcement comes as a response to previous sales by rival Airbus, which had positioned itself among the carriers following a setback regarding Boeing’s 737 Max in January.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with the renewed partnership, 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 opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional aircraft, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option for another 10 of the latter.
This commitment is noteworthy as it follows reports earlier in the year that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first instance the airline purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the 737 Max, which was embroiled in controversy that affected its production.
Similarly, there were reports that Airbus had made inroads with Korean Air, selling several wide-body jets at a time when the airline’s fleet predominantly consisted of Boeing planes. This trend suggested a potential shift in alliances, given the delayed regulatory clearance for Boeing’s 777x.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the order from Korean Air, stating, “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.”