Boeing has recently made headlines by securing significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. On Monday, the company announced that it had finalized orders for up to 80 of these aircraft, indicating a strong response to the competition posed by Airbus, which gained ground during Boeing’s recent challenges with its 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, who leads Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to choose the 787 Dreamliner as they upgrade their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the commencement of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option to purchase an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The term “long-standing partnership” highlights Boeing’s ongoing challenges, especially when Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines earlier this year, marking the carrier’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from anyone other than Boeing. This occurred while the 737 Max was embroiled in controversies and experiencing significant production slowdowns.
Currently, there are reports indicating that Airbus has also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which has predominantly operated Boeing aircraft. This move is viewed as a potential setback for Boeing’s 777X model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
In response to these new orders, Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed her gratitude to Korean Air for choosing Boeing’s large and efficient widebody planes to enhance its global operations. She emphasized that Boeing aircraft have been crucial to Korean Air for the past five decades and that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will play vital roles in supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.