Boeing has recently secured significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, totaling up to 80 units from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement came on Monday, indicating a strategic response from the American manufacturer after competition intensified with Airbus during the fallout from the Boeing 737 Max issues earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed appreciation for the long-standing relationship with Japan Airlines, highlighting their decision to select the 787 Dreamliner as they update their fleet. The deal, revealed at the Farnborough International Airshow, features Japan Airlines placing an order for 10 Dreamliners with the option to purchase 10 more.
Korean Air confirmed orders for 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 of the 787-10 planes, with a similar option for 10 additional 787-10s. This partnership underscores Boeing’s commitment to remaining competitive amidst previous gains by Airbus in these markets.
Earlier reports indicated that Japan Airlines had purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift as it had not previously ordered single-aisle aircraft from any manufacturer other than Boeing. This came during a challenging time for Boeing, with the 737 Max facing scrutiny and resulting in production delays.
Additionally, it was noted that Airbus had made sales to Korean Air, a move interpreted as a direct challenge to Boeing’s 777X model, which is still undergoing steps for regulatory approval. Stephanie Pope, leading Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that the new aircraft exemplify the ongoing partnership and support Boeing intends to provide to both airlines as they work towards sustainability and growth in their operations.