Boeing announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 planes, marking a strategic response to rival Airbus, which had previously made inroads with these airlines following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, the head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to continue using the 787 Dreamliner as they enhance their fleet. Specifically, Japan Airlines is set to receive 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional units. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, along with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The announcement coincided with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Notably, this order comes in the wake of Japan Airlines purchasing 11 A321neo jets from Airbus earlier in the year, marking the first time it acquired a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor. Additionally, Airbus had made sales of wide-body jets to Korean Air during a period of turmoil for Boeing, suggesting a significant shift in airline preferences.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody airplanes. She highlighted the long-standing relationship between Boeing and Korean Air, emphasizing that the new 777X and 787 Dreamliner will aid the airline in achieving its sustainability and growth objectives.