Boeing has announced substantial orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing deals from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The company revealed on Monday that it has received orders for up to 80 planes, demonstrating its resilience after facing competition from French rival Airbus, which had made inroads with these carriers following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to continue using the 787 Dreamliner as part of its fleet modernization. Japan Airlines has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners with the option for 10 additional units. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the possibility of adding 10 more 787-10s.
This development occurs during the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. The announcements reflect Boeing’s ongoing collaboration with the airlines, especially after earlier reports indicated Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the carrier procured single-aisle planes from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, it was reported that Airbus had made sales of wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the significance of these orders for Korean Air, stating that Boeing’s aircraft have been pivotal to the airline over the past 50 years. She affirmed that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will help Korean Air achieve its sustainability and growth objectives.