Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The aircraft manufacturer stated on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 planes, a move that indicates Boeing’s resilience following competition from Airbus, which had previously made inroads with these airlines during the fallout from the 737 Max incident.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to choose the 787 Dreamliner as part of their fleet modernization efforts.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key industry event. Japan Airlines has committed to 10 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 additional aircraft. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, plus an option for 10 more 787-10s.
These orders come in the context of past transactions where Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This shift occurred as the 737 Max was embroiled in controversy and facing production challenges.
Furthermore, it was reported that Airbus sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which traditionally operates a fleet dominated by Boeing planes. This order was interpreted as a slight against the 777X model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the significance of the airline’s choice in enhancing its global network, affirming that Boeing aircraft have been central to Korean Air’s operations for over 50 years and will continue to align with the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.