Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. On Monday, the company revealed that it has secured commitments for up to 80 of its larger planes from the two carriers. This move comes in response to competition from Airbus, which had gained a foothold in the market following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to reinforce its fleet with the 787 Dreamliner, noting the importance of their longstanding partnership. Specifically, Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an additional option for 10 more. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option for 10 additional 787-10s.
This recent announcement coincides with the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Previous reports highlighted that during the initial fallout from Boeing’s troubles, Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a shift as it was the carrier’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a non-Boeing supplier. Similarly, sources indicated that Airbus had also sold wide-body jets to Korean Air, which primarily operates Boeing aircraft.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner would help Korean Air meet its sustainability and growth objectives, reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the airline and Boeing over the past five decades.