Boeing recently announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments from both Japan Airlines and Korean Air for up to 80 planes. This comes after Airbus made inroads with these airlines following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max in January, indicating that Boeing is actively responding to competitive challenges.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, which has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners, with an option to purchase an additional 10. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 airplanes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This announcement occurs on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace sector. The references to long-term partnerships are noteworthy, especially following reports that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines in March—its first single-aisle purchase from a rival. Airbus’s A321neo competes directly with Boeing’s 737 Max, which was struggling amid a production slowdown.
Additionally, there were reports of Airbus selling several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This move was seen as a rejection of the Boeing 777x, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the significance of these new orders, stating that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will be pivotal in supporting Korean Air’s long-term sustainable growth.