Boeing has announced significant orders for its largest aircraft, securing deals for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement came on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent industry event, and indicates that Boeing is responding to competition from its French rival Airbus, which had recently made inroads with these airlines.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, 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.” Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10.
Korean Air has committed to acquiring twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, with the option for 10 more 787-10s. This move comes after reports that Airbus had previously sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing.
Furthermore, it was reported that Airbus also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This suggested that those orders were a rejection of the 777X, which has only recently approached regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s aircraft, stating, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network.” She added that Boeing planes have been vital to Korean Air for the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will aid in the airline’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.