Boeing has recently announced significant orders for its major aircraft models. The company revealed on Monday that it has received orders for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This comes after rival Airbus made inroads with these carriers amid Boeing’s earlier challenges related to the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed the importance of the partnership 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.”
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines plans to acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Korean Air has committed to purchasing twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with the option for another 10 787-10s.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” follows reports from March indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the 737 Max, which was experiencing significant challenges at that time.
Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, a move perceived as a slight against Boeing’s 777x, which is approaching regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on Korean Air’s selection, saying, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody 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.”