Boeing has announced major orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes, securing commitments for up to 80 aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement comes on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant trade event in the aviation industry. The orders reflect Boeing’s response to recent incursions made by its rival Airbus following the January incident involving the 737 Max.
Japan Airlines is set to take delivery of 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10 aircraft. Korean Air has placed an order for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, along with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed the company’s appreciation for its long-standing relationship with Japan Airlines, noting the airline’s decision to continue modernizing its fleet with the 787 Dreamliner.
This development comes after reports that Airbus had secured orders for A321neo jets from Japan Airlines earlier this year, marking the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, Airbus had reportedly sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, signaling a shift as Boeing’s 777x model nears regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the importance of Boeing aircraft in Korean Air’s operations over the past five decades and underscored the role of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner in supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.