Boeing has 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 announcement comes as a response to increased competition from Airbus, which had made inroads with these carriers following the issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to re-order the 787 Dreamliner as part of their fleet modernization efforts, emphasizing the value of their long-standing partnership.
The announcements were made on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines plans to acquire ten Dreamliners, with an option to purchase an additional ten, while Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10s, along with an option for ten more 787-10s.
This development is notable in light of previous reports indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the airline opted for a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor. Around the same period, it was reported that Airbus had also sold various wide-body jets to Korean Air, traditionally dominated by Boeing aircraft, which might be seen as a rebuff to Boeing’s 777x model, still awaiting regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed their honor at Korean Air’s decision to select Boeing’s largest and most efficient wide-body planes to enhance its global network. She highlighted Boeing’s long-standing role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, noting that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives moving forward.