Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker revealed on Monday that it had obtained orders for up to 80 planes, signaling its intent to regain market presence after Airbus had made inroads following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to invest in the 787 Dreamliner as part of their fleet modernization efforts.
This announcement coincides with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners, with the option for an additional 10. Korean Air has committed to purchasing 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, along with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to the “long-standing partnership” with Japan Airlines comes after reports indicated that Airbus had successfully sold 11 A321neo jets to the airline, marking a significant shift as it was the first occasion Japan Airlines bought a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This move was made amidst ongoing challenges with the 737 Max, which was facing a production slowdown.
Similarly, there were reports of Airbus selling wide-body jets to Korean Air, traditionally a Boeing customer, suggesting a strategic shift away from Boeing’s 777x aircraft, which has only recently been approaching regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody aircraft. She reaffirmed Boeing’s long-standing role with Korean Air over the past five decades and emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will align with the airline’s sustainability goals and growth aspirations.