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 secured orders for up to 80 planes as it seeks to reclaim its position in the market after losing ground to its rival Airbus. This news emerges on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow.
Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s. Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership with Japan Airlines and highlighted their decision to modernize their fleet with the Dreamliner.
The recent orders come in the wake of prior reports indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking its first purchase of a single-aisle airplane from a competitor. This was during a time when Boeing was still grappling with issues surrounding its 737 Max model, which had experienced production slowdowns.
Additionally, there were reports of Airbus securing several wide-body orders from Korean Air, which primarily operates Boeing aircraft. This move was perceived as a disappointment for Boeing, particularly for its 777X model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s aircraft, emphasizing the importance of these planes in supporting the airline’s growth and sustainability initiatives over the next 50 years.