Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air, indicating a strong response to competitors in the market. On Monday, the manufacturer revealed that it secured orders for up to 80 aircraft from the two airlines. This announcement comes shortly after Airbus made inroads with these carriers, following complications with Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed the company’s appreciation for its enduring relationship with Japan Airlines, noting their decision to enhance their fleet with additional Dreamliners. The announcement coincides with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aerospace industry.
Japan Airlines has committed to purchasing 10 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 more. Meanwhile, Korean Air is set to acquire 20 777-9 aircraft and 20 787-10 models, along with an option for an additional 10 787-10s.
This news contrasts with a previous report from March, which indicated that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the airline’s first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes directly with the 737 Max, which faced challenges at that time.
Additionally, reports from Bloomberg suggested that Airbus had also secured orders for wide-body jets from Korean Air, typically known for its Boeing-dominated fleet. This move was seen as a potential slight to the Boeing 777X, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed pride in Korean Air’s selection of Boeing’s widebody aircraft, emphasizing their historical partnership and the role these planes will play in supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.