Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. On Monday, the company revealed it had secured orders for up to 80 of these planes, signaling its competitive response following earlier incursions by Airbus, which had gained some ground during the fallout from the Boeing 737 Max issues.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ continued commitment to the 787 Dreamliner as they modernize their fleet. This announcement coincides with the Farnborough International Airshow, a key industry event. Japan Airlines has committed to 10 Dreamliners with options for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with options for 10 more 787-10s.
This announcement comes in light of a report from March, highlighting that Japan Airlines had previously purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift as it was the first time they acquired a single-aisle plane from a competitor. At that time, the A321neo was positioned against Boeing’s 737 Max during a period of considerable turmoil for Boeing.
Additionally, reports had surfaced that Airbus sold several wide-body aircraft to Korean Air, which has largely relied on Boeing for its fleet, with this order seen as a potential slight against Boeing’s 777x model that is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that the company feels honored by Korean Air’s orders and emphasized the vital role Boeing aircraft have played in the airline’s development over the past 50 years. She highlighted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will be instrumental in meeting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.