Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, with Japan Airlines and Korean Air committing to a total of up to 80 planes. This announcement, made on Monday, indicates Boeing’s resolve to strengthen its market position after facing competition from French rival Airbus, which had gained ground following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations chief, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, stating that they are pleased the airline has chosen to re-select the 787 Dreamliner to modernize its fleet.
The announcement is timed with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners, with the option to purchase an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has committed to 20 units of the 777-9 model and 20 of the 787-10, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of “long-standing partnership” aligns with a previous report where Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking its first acquisition of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This sale occurred amidst challenges for Boeing, including a scandal related to the 737 Max and a subsequent production slowdown.
Additionally, it was reported that Airbus had also secured orders for wide-body jets from Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This move was seen as a potential setback for the 777x program, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude towards Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s advanced and efficient widebody aircraft to enhance its global operations. She emphasized the integral role Boeing’s planes have played in Korean Air’s growth over the past 50 years, highlighting that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will aid the airline’s sustainability and growth ambitions.