Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments from Japan Airlines and Korean Air for up to 80 planes. This announcement came on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with options for an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option to purchase 10 more 787-10s.
Boeing’s orders signify a response to recent competition from French rival Airbus, which had garnered attention from these airlines following issues related to Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft. Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, which is modernizing its fleet with the 787.
The recent orders come after reports of Japan Airlines purchasing 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking the airline’s first acquisition of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, Airbus secured orders for wide-body jets from Korean Air, prompting speculation that this was a strategic move against the Boeing 777X.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the company’s long-standing relationship with Korean Air and hailed the selection of Boeing’s aircraft as a foundation for the airline’s sustainability and growth initiatives.