Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, securing commitments for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement comes as a response to recent competitive pressures from Airbus, following a challenging period for Boeing stemming from issues related to the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed the company’s appreciation for its relationship with Japan Airlines, highlighting the airline’s decision to choose the 787 Dreamliner as it upgrades its fleet. Specifically, Japan Airlines has committed to 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional aircraft.
During the Farnborough International Airshow, Korean Air placed an order for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s. This partnership underscores Boeing’s longstanding presence in the Asian aviation market.
The reference to a “long-standing partnership” is notable in light of previous reports indicating that Japan Airlines had purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift in its procurement strategy. Similarly, Korean Air’s reported orders for Airbus wide-body jets were perceived as a challenge to Boeing amid ongoing developments related to the 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude for Korean Air’s commitment to Boeing’s most efficient widebody aircraft, emphasizing the collaborative relationship the airline has maintained with Boeing for over 50 years. Pope stated that both the 777X and 787 Dreamliner are poised to support Korean Air’s sustainability efforts and growth objectives moving forward.