Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes, securing agreements for up to 80 aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This news comes as a response to recent competition from Airbus, which had gained ground with these carriers following challenges faced by Boeing, particularly after the 737 Max incident earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed enthusiasm about Japan Airlines’ continued partnership, stating that they are pleased the airline has chosen the 787 Dreamliner for its fleet modernization efforts. The announcement was made on 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 10 additional units, while Korean Air has placed orders for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with an option for another 10 of the latter.
This move highlights the competitive landscape, especially after reports indicated that Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a shift as it was the first time the airline had purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Similarly, reports suggested that Airbus had sold wide-body jets to Korean Air, potentially sidelining Boeing’s 777x, which is still awaiting full regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, welcomed Korean Air’s decision, noting the importance of Boeing aircraft in the airline’s 50-year history and emphasizing the role of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner in supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.