Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker revealed on Monday that it has secured orders for up to 80 planes from these carriers, a move indicative of its competitive stance following challenges posed by French rival Airbus amid recent issues with the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, who leads Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction over Japan Airlines’ decision to continue its partnership by selecting the 787 Dreamliner for their fleet modernization. The announcement comes on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry calendar.
Japan Airlines has committed to 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with the option for 10 more 787-10s.
This development is particularly noteworthy in light of prior reports indicating that Airbus had secured sales of 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a shift as it purchased single-aisle planes from a non-Boeing manufacturer for the first time. Additionally, reports suggested that Airbus had acquired several wide-body jets from Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft, as a potential slight against the 777X, still awaiting full regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, praised Korean Air for selecting Boeing’s latest widebody jets. She highlighted the long-standing relationship and the role of Boeing planes in Korean Air’s operations over the past 50 years, adding that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support the airline’s sustainability and growth initiatives.