Boeing has recently announced significant orders for its large aircraft, securing contracts for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement comes as a strategic response to earlier gains made by Airbus during Boeing’s challenges related to the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to acquire the 787 Dreamliner as they upgrade their fleet.
The announcement coincided with the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for another 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, also with an option for 10 additional 787-10s.
This development seems to address earlier moves by Airbus, which, according to a Reuters report, sold 11 of its A321neo jets to Japan Airlines in March. This marked the first time Japan Airlines purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the 737 Max, which was embroiled in controversy and facing production challenges at the time.
Additionally, Bloomberg reported that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, traditionally a customer of Boeing. This order was perceived as a potential setback for Boeing’s 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude towards Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s most efficient widebody aircraft, affirming their longstanding relationship and commitment to supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.