Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for as many as 80 aircraft from these carriers. This move follows a period during which Airbus had gained traction among the airlines after the January incident involving Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ renewed commitment to the 787 Dreamliner, emphasizing the importance of their long-standing partnership.
The announcement coincided with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional units, while Korean Air has requested 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for an additional 10 787-10s.
The mention of a long-standing partnership is particularly relevant given previous reports that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines earlier this year, marking the first time the airline purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Furthermore, reports indicated that Airbus had made sales of wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft, suggesting a potential shift in purchasing patterns.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed honor that Korean Air has chosen Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody planes to enhance its global network. She highlighted the integral role of Boeing aircraft in Korean Air’s operations over the past five decades, noting that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will aid in the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives moving forward.