Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The company reported on Monday that it secured orders for up to 80 planes, indicating its determination to reclaim market share after Airbus made inroads during the fallout from the 737 Max incident earlier this year.
Boeing’s sales operations head, Brad McMullen, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to continue investing in the 787 Dreamliner as they modernize their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent trade event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has placed an order for 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to the “long-standing partnership” with Japan Airlines is noteworthy, especially considering reports that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to the airline earlier this year, which was its first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a non-Boeing manufacturer. The A321neo competes with the troubled 737 Max amid a significant production slowdown.
Similarly, Bloomberg revealed that Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, known for predominantly operating Boeing aircraft. This acquisition appears to be a move away from the Boeing 777x, which is just beginning to approach regulatory clearance.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude towards Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s largest and most efficient widebody planes to enhance its global network. She noted that Boeing aircraft have been essential to Korean Air for over 50 years, and emphasized that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will contribute to the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.