Boeing has made a significant announcement regarding new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company revealed on Monday that it secured orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This comes in response to rival Airbus making inroads with these airlines following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, stated, “We value our long-standing partnership with Japan Airlines and are pleased that they have re-selected the 787 Dreamliner as they continue to modernize their world-class fleet.”
This development coincides with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, an important event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has committed to acquiring 10 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 additional planes. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 aircraft, also with an option to add another 10 787-10s.
The reference to the “long-standing partnership” is notable, as it highlights a shift in the market. Earlier this year, it was reported that Japan Airlines purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking the first time they had acquired a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This order came during a difficult period for Boeing, amid scandals and production slowdowns related to the 737 Max.
Similarly, it was reported that Korean Air had also turned to Airbus for several wide-body jets, a move seen as a signal against the Boeing 777X, which is only now nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed gratitude to Korean Air, stating, “We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network. Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline’s long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth.”