Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement comes in response to Airbus’s earlier advances in the market, exemplified by their sales during Boeing’s challenges with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed the company’s satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ reaffirmation of the 787 Dreamliner as they modernize their fleet. During the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, Japan Airlines confirmed an order for 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This renewed partnership highlights past market shifts, where Airbus made significant strides with both airlines. In March, reports indicated that Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a notable shift as it was their first acquisition of a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, Korean Air expanded its fleet with several wide-body jets from Airbus at that time, a move interpreted as a rejection of Boeing’s 777X amid ongoing regulatory challenges.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplane division, stated that they are honored by Korean Air’s choice of Boeing’s aircraft to enhance their operational capacity. She emphasized the long-standing relationship with Korean Air and reinforced the commitment of both the 777X and 787 Dreamliner to support the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.