Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, highlighting a strong comeback amid competition from Airbus. The company revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This move follows a period of challenges for Boeing, particularly after the fallout from the 737 Max incidents earlier this year, which had allowed Airbus to gain traction with these carriers.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to choose the 787 Dreamliner in modernizing their fleet. Japan Airlines has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10.
Korean Air has also announced substantial orders, securing twenty 777-9 aircraft and twenty 787-10 planes, along with the option for 10 more 787-10 models. This is particularly noteworthy as it comes on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event for the aviation industry.
The backdrop to these orders includes reports earlier in the year that indicated Airbus had made inroads with both Japan Airlines and Korean Air, with Japan Airlines purchasing 11 A321neo jets from Airbus—the first single-aisle purchases from a competitor to Boeing. Similarly, Airbus’s sales of wide-body jets to Korean Air were seen as a potential shift away from Boeing, which has historically been the primary supplier for the airline.
In response, Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, conveyed pride in Korean Air’s decision to select Boeing’s latest aircraft, which play a crucial role in the airline’s operations and future expansion goals, particularly in sustainability and growth.