Boeing has recently 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 follows a period in which Airbus had made inroads with these carriers, particularly after issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year. The new orders indicate Boeing’s determination to regain ground.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, stating that they are pleased the airline has chosen the 787 Dreamliner as part of its fleet modernization efforts.
This development comes on the inaugural day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also reserving the option for 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” highlights a recent trend, as earlier reports indicated that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking its first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer outside of Boeing. This purchase came during a challenging time for Boeing amid the 737 Max scandal and subsequent production issues.
Similarly, reports suggest that Airbus also secured several orders for wide-body jets from Korean Air, traditionally a Boeing-dominated fleet. This order was perceived as a notable decision against the newly emerging 777X, which is still approaching regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, voiced her gratitude to Korean Air for their choice of Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody planes to enhance their global network capacity. She emphasized the importance of Boeing’s aircraft in supporting Korean Air over the past 50 years and noted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will contribute to the airline’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.