Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The company revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 planes, marking a strategic move as it faces increased competition from Airbus, which had recently made inroads with the carriers following challenges related to the Boeing 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations head, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, stating they are pleased the airline has chosen the 787 Dreamliner as part of its fleet modernization efforts.
This announcement coincides with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional units. Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 aircraft, with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to the “long-standing partnership” highlights the competitive circumstances of recent months. In March, Japan Airlines placed an order for 11 Airbus A321neo jets, its first single-aisle purchase from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This occurred during a period of turmoil for Boeing as its 737 Max was embroiled in controversy and production delays.
Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus had sold wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This move was perceived as a potential setback for Boeing’s 777x, which is not yet fully cleared for regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed her honor for Korean Air’s choice, emphasizing the role Boeing planes have played in the airline’s history and their alignment with Korean Air’s goals for sustainability and growth.