Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes, totaling up to 80 units from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement reflects Boeing’s response to recent challenges posed by rival Airbus, who had gained ground with these carriers following issues related to the Boeing 737 Max earlier this year.
In a statement, Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their selection of the 787 Dreamliner as they modernize their fleet. Specifically, Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 aircraft, with the possibility of increasing the latter by 10 more.
This development comes on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow. Earlier this year, it was reported that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first instance where the airline purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Additionally, reports indicated that Airbus sold several wide-body aircraft to Korean Air, signaling a potential shift in their fleet preferences during a time when Boeing was facing production challenges.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplane division, expressed honor at Korean Air’s decision to select Boeing’s widebody planes to enhance its global network, emphasizing the company’s historical role in supporting the airline’s growth and sustainability initiatives.