Boeing recently announced significant new orders for its largest aircraft, securing deals for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement, made on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, indicates that Boeing is actively responding to competition from French rival Airbus, which had gained ground during Boeing’s recent challenges.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ continued commitment to the 787 Dreamliner, stating, “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet.”
Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the option to add 10 more 787-10s.
This announcement comes in the wake of recent orders made by both Japanese and Korean airlines for Airbus aircraft, which were reported earlier this year. Notably, Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift as it was their first acquisition of a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, Korean Air opted for several wide-body jets from Airbus, further signaling a competitive landscape for Boeing.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed appreciation for Korean Air’s choice, saying, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network. Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”