Boeing announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The orders, which total up to 80 planes, come as a response to recent incursions by competitor Airbus during Boeing’s challenges with the 737 Max.
Boeing’s sales operations head, Brad McMullen, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ choice to continue their relationship, 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.”
These announcements coincide with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent event for the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 more, while Korean Air plans to acquire 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the possibility of 10 additional 787-10s.
This move is particularly notable as it follows a Reuters report from March stating that Airbus sold 11 of its A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the carrier’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo directly competes with the 737 Max, which was facing significant scrutiny and production issues during that period.
Bloomberg also reported earlier that Airbus sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, a company predominantly operating Boeing aircraft. The sales were interpreted as a potential setback for the 777x, which is approaching regulatory clearance.
Stephanie Pope, who leads Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked, “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.”