Boeing has recently announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. On Monday, the company revealed that it had secured orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air, indicating robust demand despite previous challenges from its rival Airbus.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed the company’s appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, stating they are pleased that the airline has chosen to reselect the 787 Dreamliner as it modernizes its fleet. This announcement coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry.
Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has committed to 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 aircraft, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The reference to a long-standing partnership comes after a March report revealed that Airbus sold 11 of its A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the airline purchased a single-aisle jet from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This sale was particularly notable given the ongoing issues surrounding the Boeing 737 Max at that time.
Similarly, Bloomberg reported that Airbus had made sales of several wide-body jets to Korean Air, where Boeing has traditionally dominated the fleet. This move was interpreted as a setback for the 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, noted the significance of the orders from Korean Air, emphasizing that Boeing aircraft have been integral to the airline for over 50 years. The 777X and 787 Dreamliner, she stated, will continue to support Korean Air’s long-term sustainability and growth objectives.