Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes, securing commitments for up to 80 aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This comes as a response to recent competition from its French rival Airbus, which made inroads into the market following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the long-standing relationship with Japan Airlines, noting their choice to continue modernizing their fleet with the Dreamliner. Japan Airlines has committed to purchasing 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional aircraft. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models along with 20 787-10 planes, with the potential for 10 more 787-10s.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event in the aviation industry. Previously, reports indicated that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a shift as it was the first time the airline had bought a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This move occurred during a challenging period for Boeing, marked by a scandal and production slowdown.
Similarly, Korean Air had made orders with Airbus for several wide-body jets, indicating a potential shift as the airline’s fleet traditionally largely consists of Boeing aircraft. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the significance of these orders for Korean Air, emphasizing the company’s longstanding role in the airline’s operations and its commitment to sustainability and growth.