Boeing has announced significant orders for its major aircraft models, securing commitments for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development comes as a response to recent gains made by its rival, Airbus, which managed to secure orders from these airlines amid challenges faced by Boeing due to the 737 Max incident earlier this year.
During the Farnborough International Airshow, Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed contentment with Japan Airlines’ selection of the 787 Dreamliner, highlighting the importance of their ongoing partnership as the airline upgrades its fleet. Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10.
Korean Air has also made substantial commitments, ordering 20 units of the 777-9 model and 20 of the 787-10, along with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This latest news recalls a report from March, where Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the airline’s first acquisition of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the 737 Max, which has been embroiled in controversy and production delays.
Additionally, it was noted earlier this year that Airbus had secured orders for several wide-body aircraft from Korean Air, a sign that the airline, which predominantly operates Boeing jets, is diversifying its fleet.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed pride in Korean Air’s choice of Boeing’s largest and most efficient planes, emphasizing the crucial role Boeing jets have played in the airline’s operations for five decades. She highlighted that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support Korean Air’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.