Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development comes as a response to recent competitive pressure from Airbus, which had penetrated these markets during Boeing’s challenges with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed gratitude for Japan Airlines’ decision to continue its partnership with Boeing, highlighting the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet. The announcement coincided with the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Korean Air has placed an order for 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10s, with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
This announcement is noteworthy considering Japan Airlines’ recent purchase of 11 A321neo jets from Airbus earlier this year, marking its first acquisition of a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor, amidst scrutiny over the 737 Max’s issues and Boeing’s resulting production slowdown. Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus made significant sales to Korean Air, traditionally a Boeing customer, further intensifying competition in the market.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the importance of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner in supporting Korean Air’s long-term growth and sustainability goals, noting the historical relationship between the airline and Boeing over the past five decades.