Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development comes as a response to Airbus making inroads with these carriers following the issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to choose the 787 Dreamliner as they upgrade their fleet.
The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with the potential for 10 more 787-10s.
This partnership reference follows a Reuters report from March that noted Japan Airlines’ purchase of 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a significant shift as it was the first time the airline acquired a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. At that time, the A321neo was considered a competitor to the troubled 737 Max.
Additionally, Bloomberg reported that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, a notable decision given the airline’s historical preference for Boeing aircraft. This order was viewed as a potential setback for Boeing’s 777X model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s most efficient widebody airplanes, emphasizing the company’s integral role with the airline over the past 50 years and the alignment of these aircraft with Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives.