Boeing has made a significant announcement regarding substantial orders for its aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This news comes as a response to French competitor Airbus, which had gained ground with these carriers following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations head, expressed appreciation for the enduring relationship with Japan Airlines, stating, “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet.”
The announcement was made on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This renewed interest from Boeing follows reports that in March, Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a notable shift as it was the first purchase of a single-aisle plane from Airbus rather than Boeing. During the same period, Bloomberg indicated that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft, signaling a strategic move amid the challenges facing Boeing with the 777X aircraft, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient wide-body airplanes to add capacity to its global network. Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”