Boeing has announced major orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle jets, securing commitments from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The manufacturer stated on Monday that it has received orders for up to 80 aircraft, highlighting its efforts to regain market share after a recent setback due to issues with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to continue investing in the 787 Dreamliner as part of its fleet modernization strategy.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Korean Air has ordered 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 787-10 jets, with an option to add 10 more 787-10s.
The announcement comes in response to previous sales made by Airbus, which had secured a deal for 11 A321neo jets with Japan Airlines, marking a significant move as it was the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor. Similarly, Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, prompting speculation that these orders were a challenge to Boeing’s 777x, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for choosing their aircraft, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between the airline and Boeing that has spanned 50 years. She noted that both the 777X and 787 Dreamliner are poised to help Korean Air achieve its sustainability and growth objectives moving forward.