Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. On Monday, the company revealed that it secured orders for up to 80 planes, indicating its response to competition from Airbus, which had made gains during recent challenges faced by Boeing.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the long-term partnership with Japan Airlines, which has chosen to continue expanding its fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant trade event for the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, along with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” references a report from March that revealed Airbus’s sale of 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a notable shift as it was the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This move came during a period of turmoil for Boeing due to the 737 Max scandal and production issues.
Similarly, it was reported that Airbus sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which has traditionally relied on Boeing for the majority of its fleet. This decision was seen as a snub to Boeing’s 777X model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude for Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s wide-body aircraft, emphasizing their critical role in the airline’s operations over the past 50 years. She noted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner would continue to aid Korean Air’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.