Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes, securing commitments from Japan Airlines and Korean Air for up to 80 aircraft. The announcement was made on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important industry event, indicating Boeing’s response to recent market competition from Airbus.
Japan Airlines will be acquiring 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and highlighted the airline’s choice to modernize its fleet with the 787 Dreamliner.
Boeing’s orders come in the wake of earlier reports of Airbus’s sales to both Japan Airlines and Korean Air. In March, it was reported that Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a significant shift as it was their first single-aisle purchase from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Additionally, Korean Air was noted to have purchased several wide-body jets from Airbus, signaling competitive tensions in the market.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, praised Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody aircraft, emphasizing the long-term collaboration between the airline and Boeing over the past 50 years. She also noted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will play a crucial role in supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.