Boeing recently announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker confirmed on Monday that it secured commitments for up to 80 planes, signaling its competitive stance after Airbus made inroads with these airlines following the issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, stating their satisfaction with the airline’s decision to continue modernizing its fleet with the Dreamliner.
These announcements coincided with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a pivotal event in the aerospace industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 aircraft and 20 787-10s, also with options for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” comes in light of a report from March indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking its first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This transaction occurred while the 737 Max faced significant challenges, including a production slowdown.
Similarly, reports surfaced around that time indicating that Airbus had sold multiple wide-body jets to Korean Air, which primarily operates Boeing aircraft. This order was interpreted as a possible rejection of Boeing’s 777x, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude for Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s 777X and 787 Dreamliner, highlighting their roles in supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives over the past 50 years.