Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company revealed on Monday that it secured orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This move comes after French competitor Airbus made inroads with these carriers following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, stating that they are pleased the airline has chosen to continue modernizing its fleet with the 787 Dreamliner.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has placed an order for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
These developments are particularly noteworthy following reports that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines earlier this year, marking the first time the airline had purchased a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the 737 Max, which has faced scrutiny.
Similarly, various reports indicated that Airbus had sold wide-body jets to Korean Air, which primarily operates Boeing aircraft. This was viewed as a possible slight to Boeing’s 777X model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on Korean Air’s choice, emphasizing the importance of Boeing aircraft in the airline’s operations over the past five decades. She highlighted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives moving forward.