Boeing recently 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 development, revealed on Monday, indicates that Boeing is reinforcing its market position after facing competition from Airbus in the wake of the January incident involving the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship with Japan Airlines, emphasizing their choice of the 787 Dreamliner to modernize their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 aircraft, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to the “long-standing partnership” recalls a March report indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo planes to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the airline procured a single-aisle aircraft from a non-Boeing manufacturer. The A321neo competes directly with the troubled 737 Max, which was facing scrutiny and production challenges during that period.
Additionally, reports surfaced around the same time highlighting that Airbus had made several sales of wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This was perceived as a slight against the 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody planes, noting the airline’s reliance on Boeing over the past 50 years. She reiterated that both the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will play crucial roles in supporting the airline’s sustainability objectives and future growth.