Boeing has announced significant orders for its large aircraft, securing agreements for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development follows Airbus’s moves to capture market share from these carriers in the wake of the issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the long-term partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to re-select the 787 Dreamliner for their fleet modernization plans.
These announcements coincided with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This partnership comes in light of previous reports indicating that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the airline purchased a single-aisle plane from any manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, Airbus had also secured orders for several wide-body jets from Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that Boeing is honored to have Korean Air select its advanced widebody airplanes to enhance its global network, emphasizing the deep-rooted relationship between the airline and Boeing over the past five decades.