Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 of these airplanes. This move follows a period of competition from Airbus, which had previously made inroads with these carriers amid challenges faced by Boeing, especially related to the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, who heads Boeing’s sales operations, expressed his satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to re-select the 787 Dreamliner, underlining the importance of their long-standing partnership. The news coincides with the commencement of the Farnborough International Airshow, a major event in the aviation industry.
Japan Airlines is set to take delivery of 10 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 additional units. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This recent announcement highlights the competitive dynamics within the industry. Earlier in the year, it was reported that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the airline had purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This purchase occurred amid ongoing controversies surrounding the 737 Max.
Similarly, reports emerged that Airbus had secured orders for wide-body jets from Korean Air, which primarily operates Boeing aircraft. Analysts interpreted that move as a slight against Boeing’s 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for choosing Boeing’s large, efficient aircraft to enhance its global network. She emphasized that Boeing’s aircraft have been crucial to Korean Air’s success over the last 50 years and affirmed that both the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will aid the airline in achieving its sustainability and growth objectives.