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 came on Monday, coinciding with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow. Following challenges earlier this year, when Airbus made inroads with these airlines, Boeing’s new bookings indicate a strong response from the U.S. manufacturer.
Japan Airlines has committed to 10 Dreamliners with an option to purchase 10 more, while Korean Air ordered 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 aircraft, with a possibility of acquiring 10 additional 787-10s.
Boeing’s head of sales operations, Brad McMullen, expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting the airline’s decision to modernize its fleet with the Dreamliner.
This announcement follows reports earlier this year that suggested a shift in purchasing dynamics, with Japan Airlines acquiring 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking its first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, Korean Air had also reportedly purchased several wide-body jets from Airbus, indicating a potential shift in its traditionally Boeing-heavy fleet.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the importance of Boeing aircraft to Korean Air’s operations over the past five decades and expressed confidence that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner would support the airline’s goals for sustainable growth.