Boeing has announced major orders for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development comes after Airbus recently gained ground with these airlines amid challenges faced by Boeing, particularly related to the 737 Max incident in January.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to continue using the 787 Dreamliner as they upgrade their fleet. The announcement occurred on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has placed orders for 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This partnership underscores Boeing’s ongoing relationship with both airlines, especially in light of previous reports indicating that Japan Airlines had enlisted 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift as it moved away from Boeing for single-aisle planes. Similarly, it was reported that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, traditionally a Boeing customer.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the significance of the new orders, highlighting Korean Air’s long history with Boeing and how the 777X and 787 Dreamliner align with the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.