Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. On Monday, the company revealed that it secured orders for up to 80 planes, signaling a strong comeback after facing competition from Airbus during the fallout from the 737 Max incident earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to continue modernizing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. Japan Airlines plans to acquire 10 Dreamliners with the option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed orders for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This development comes during the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. The orders highlight a shift in dynamics, especially after recent reports indicated Airbus had made inroads with both Japan Airlines and Korean Air, selling an A321neo jet to Japan Airlines and wide-body jets to Korean Air, both of which had predominantly operated Boeing aircraft.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed her honor at Korean Air’s choice of Boeing for its expansion. She emphasized the company’s longstanding role in supporting the airline’s growth and sustainability goals with the advanced 777X and 787 Dreamliner models.