Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development, revealed on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, indicates that Boeing is actively countering before its French competitor Airbus, which had previously made inroads with these carriers following a crisis related to the 737 Max model.
Brad McMullen, who leads Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines’ choice to continue enhancing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner, highlighting the importance of their long-term partnership. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners and has the option for an additional 10.
Korean Air has made a substantial commitment as well, ordering 20 units of the latest 777-9 model and 20 of the 787-10, with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
This new order follows prior reports indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a significant shift as it was Japan Air’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor outside of Boeing. Similarly, Airbus had made sales to Korean Air during a time when Boeing was facing production challenges and a scandal with the 737 Max.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that they are thrilled with Korean Air’s selection of their largest and most efficient widebody aircraft, affirming Boeing’s longstanding relationship with the airline over the past five decades. She emphasized that both the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will align with Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives.