Boeing has announced substantial orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The planemaker revealed on Monday that it has secured commitments for up to 80 aircraft. This comes after Airbus had made inroads with these carriers following issues regarding Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines, which plans to order 10 Dreamliners with an option for an additional 10. Korean Air has ordered 20 models of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, with the possibility of adding 10 more 787-10s.
These announcements occurred on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry. Notably, earlier reports indicated that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a significant shift as it was the first time the airline purchased a single-aisle jet from a manufacturer other than Boeing. Additionally, reports suggested that Airbus had also sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which primarily operates Boeing aircraft, possibly creating tension regarding the 777x model that is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on Korean Air’s order, stating that it honors the airline’s selection of Boeing’s efficient widebody planes to enhance its global network. She emphasized the long-standing role Boeing aircraft have played in Korean Air’s operations for over five decades, highlighting their commitment to supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth ambitions.