Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The company revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 planes, highlighting its response to competition from Airbus, which had previously made inroads with these airlines amid Boeing’s challenges earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed gratitude towards Japan Airlines for their continued partnership, noting their decision to reselect the 787 Dreamliner as they modernize their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to receive 10 Dreamliners with the option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
Boeing’s reference to its “long-standing partnership” follows reports from March about Airbus selling 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes with Boeing’s 737 Max, which has faced scrutiny and production slowing due to safety concerns.
In addition, Bloomberg reported around the same time that Airbus secured orders for several wide-body jets from Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This move was perceived as a potential slight towards Boeing’s 777x aircraft, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed her appreciation for Korean Air’s choice of their most efficient widebody airplanes, emphasizing that Boeing has been integral to the airline’s operations over the past 50 years and that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will help support Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives.