Boeing recently announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The planemaker stated on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 of these planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development indicates that Boeing is actively responding to competition from Airbus, which had recently made inroads with these airlines following the issues with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to order the 787 Dreamliner as they modernize their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a major event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional units, while Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, with an optional 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” recalls a recent Reuters report indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first purchase of a single-aisle plane from a competitor other than Boeing. This move came in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the 737 Max, which was embroiled in controversy and production slowdowns.
Similarly, Bloomberg reported that Airbus had sold multiple wide-body jets to Korean Air, known for its predominantly Boeing fleet. This purchase was interpreted as a setback for the 777X, which is only now nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the importance of Boeing aircraft to Korean Air’s operations over the last 50 years. She emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will play a crucial role in supporting the airline’s goals for sustainability and growth in the future.