Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company stated on Monday that Japan Airlines and Korean Air have placed orders totaling up to 80 planes. This development follows a period where Airbus made inroads with these carriers after issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max planes earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations head, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to renew its commitment to the 787 Dreamliner as the airline updates its fleet. The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent industry event.
Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This announcement comes after reports in March highlighted Airbus’s sale of 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a shift as it was the first time the airline purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the troubled 737 Max, which has been facing production delays.
Furthermore, Bloomberg had previously reported Airbus selling several wide-body jets to Korean Air, suggesting these orders were a strategic move away from Boeing, particularly as the 777X model was nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on Korean Air’s order, stating it emphasized Boeing’s long-standing partnership and that the new aircraft will aid in the airline’s sustainability initiatives and growth strategies.