Boeing has announced significant orders for its large aircraft, stating on Monday that it has secured commitments for up to 80 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This news indicates that the U.S. manufacturer is actively responding to competition from its French rival Airbus, which had gained traction among these airlines following the issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max in January.
Boeing’s head of sales operations, Brad McMullen, expressed appreciation for the long-established partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to continue modernizing their fleet with the 787 Dreamliner. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 of these aircraft, with an option for an additional 10.
Korean Air has placed orders for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, along with an option for 10 more 787-10s. This announcement coincides with the start of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event for the aviation industry.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” brings to mind a report from March indicating that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first instance where Japan Airlines purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo is a competitor to the 737 Max, which has faced ongoing challenges and a significant production slowdown.
At the same time, it was reported that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which largely operates Boeing aircraft. This move was seen as a slight to the 777x, a model that is only now nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude for Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody airplanes, mentioning the integral role Boeing aircraft have played in Korean Air’s operations over the past five decades. She emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support the airline’s long-term sustainability and growth goals.