Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air, totaling up to 80 planes. This development comes as a response to Airbus’s earlier sales to these airlines amid Boeing’s challenges related to the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, stating that the airline has chosen the 787 Dreamliner as part of its fleet modernization efforts. Japan Airlines has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10.
Korean Air placed an order for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, with an option for ten more 787-10s. Both announcements were made during the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant industry event.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” with Japan Airlines recalls a previous report indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to the airline, marking its first venture into single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This transaction occurred during a challenging time for Boeing, with ongoing issues involving the 737 Max.
Additionally, reports indicate that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air as part of a transition from its predominantly Boeing fleet. This shift was perceived as a setback for Boeing, particularly for the 777x model, which is still pending regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, the head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed pride in Korean Air’s decision to incorporate Boeing’s advanced wide-body aircraft into its operations, highlighting the role Boeing has played in the airline’s history and its commitment to sustainability and growth.