Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes. The company revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. These orders come after Airbus made inroads with these airlines following Boeing’s troubles with the 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, highlighted the importance of the long-standing relationship with Japan Airlines, expressing satisfaction over the airline’s choice to continue modernizing its fleet with the 787 Dreamliner.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event for the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has committed to purchasing 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 more. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, along with an option for an additional 10 787-10s.
Boeing’s reference to a long-standing partnership is noteworthy in light of a report from March indicating that Japan Airlines had purchased 11 Airbus A321neo jets, marking its first acquisition of a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the 737 Max, which was still grappling with significant challenges at that time.
Additionally, reports surfaced around the same period that Airbus had secured several wide-body jet orders from Korean Air, traditionally a Boeing customer. This was interpreted as a setback for Boeing’s 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude for Korean Air’s order, emphasizing the company’s dedication to supporting the airline’s goals for sustainability and growth over the past five decades.