Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes. The company revealed on Monday that it secured orders for up to 80 aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This move comes after a period where Airbus had captured some market share from the American manufacturer amid ongoing issues with Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with the partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to continue modernizing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event in the aviation industry.
Japan Airlines will acquire ten Dreamliners, with an option for ten additional units. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed orders for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, with an option for ten more 787-10s.
This development highlights the competition between Boeing and Airbus, particularly after Airbus sold eleven A321neo jets to Japan Airlines in March, marking a shift as it was the first time Japan Airlines purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a rival. Additionally, Airbus reportedly sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which has traditionally leaned toward Boeing for its fleet.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the long-standing relationship with Korean Air and noted that the new aircraft would support the airline’s goals for sustainability and growth in the future.