Boeing has recently announced significant orders for its prominent aircraft models, with Japan Airlines and Korean Air ordering up to 80 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes. This announcement was made on Monday, suggesting that Boeing is actively responding to competition from Airbus, which had made strides with these airlines following challenges Boeing faced with its 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations leader, expressed satisfaction over the partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting the airline’s choice of the 787 Dreamliner to enhance its fleet. This development coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry.
Japan Airlines is set to acquire 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 aircraft, also with the possibility of purchasing 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” reflects a previous report indicating that Airbus had sold 11 of its A321neo jets to Japan Air, marking a shift as it was the first time the airline had procured a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This occurred amid ongoing challenges Boeing faced with the 737 Max.
Furthermore, there were reports suggesting that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, traditionally dominated by Boeing aircraft. These moves were interpreted as a strategic decision against Boeing’s 777x, which has yet to receive regulatory approval.
In response, Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude for Korean Air’s decision to select their largest, most efficient widebody aircraft. She noted the importance of Boeing aircraft in Korean Air’s operations over the past 50 years, emphasizing that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will significantly contribute to the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.