Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement comes as a response to Airbus’s recent gains in the region following issues related to Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines’ decision to select the 787 Dreamliner again, emphasizing the strong partnership between the two companies. Japan Airlines has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option to purchase 10 more 787-10s.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant trade event for the aerospace industry. The recent orders reflect a shift as, earlier this year, Airbus secured an order for 11 A321neo jets from Japan Airlines—marking the first time that Japan Airlines had purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This occurred during a challenging period for Boeing, as it faced a major scandal and production slowdown involving the 737 Max.
Bloomberg also reported earlier that Airbus made sales of several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which has historically favored Boeing for the majority of its fleet. This move was seen as a potential setback for Boeing, particularly regarding the 777x, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed pride in the relationship with Korean Air, highlighting their shared history and the role Boeing’s aircraft have played in the airline’s operations over the past five decades. She also noted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner align with Korean Air’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.