Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development follows a period where rival Airbus made inroads with these airlines after challenges arose from Boeing’s 737 Max issues earlier this year. The recent bookings indicate that Boeing is actively countering competitive pressures.
Boeing’s sales operations head, Brad McMullen, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines’ continued partnership, 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 of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event for the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional planes, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 aircraft, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” follows earlier reports indicating that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first instance of the airline purchasing a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with Boeing’s 737 Max, which has been under scrutiny and experiencing production adjustments.
Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus was selling several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which primarily operates Boeing aircraft. This move was seen as a challenge to the 777x model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, Boeing’s commercial airplanes division head, stated, “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.”