Boeing has announced significant new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, marking a strong comeback in the competitive aviation market. The orders, totaling up to 80 planes, come from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This move indicates Boeing’s determination to regain its influence after facing setbacks earlier this year when rival Airbus secured business from these carriers.
Boeing’s sales operations head, Brad McMullen, expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration with Japan Airlines, stating that the airline’s decision to continue with the 787 Dreamliner demonstrates their commitment to modernizing their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event for the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners with the option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10s, with the possibility of purchasing 10 more 787-10s.
This development is significant, especially following reports from March that revealed Japan Airlines had ordered 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, the first instance in which they opted for a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor instead of Boeing. Additionally, Korean Air had also made moves to diversify its fleet with Airbus wide-body jets, which some interpreted as a rejection of Boeing’s 777x model, still awaiting full regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the long-standing relationship with Korean Air and highlighted the role Boeing aircraft have played in the airline’s history. She expressed confidence that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives moving forward.