Boeing has announced significant orders for its major aircraft models, revealing that it has secured requests for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The announcement comes as a response to previous incursions by rival Airbus, which had gained ground with these carriers following issues related to Boeing’s 737 Max earlier in the year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations head, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines’ continued partnership, noting, “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet.”
This news coincides with the commencement of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key trade event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines will initially take 10 Dreamliners with the option to acquire an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” recalls a March report indicating that Japan Airlines had purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking its first acquisition of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes with the 737 Max, which was facing significant challenges and a production slowdown at that time.
Additionally, reports indicated that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This move was perceived as a rebuff to Boeing’s 777x, which is approaching regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network. Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”