Boeing has made significant strides in securing orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. On Monday, the aerospace giant announced it has received orders for up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This news follows a period where rival Airbus gained traction with these airlines amid Boeing’s challenges related to the 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations chief, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, stating they are pleased to see the airline continue to invest in the 787 Dreamliner as part of its fleet modernization efforts.
The announcement coincides with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event for the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has committed to 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional units. Meanwhile, Korean Air has placed an order for twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of long-standing partnerships highlights a recent shift in orders, as Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines earlier this year—marking an important shift since it was the first time the airline purchased a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This move came during a period of scrutiny for the 737 Max, leading to notable production slowdowns.
Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus had made sales to Korean Air, which traditionally operates a fleet mostly consisting of Boeing aircraft. Analysts viewed this as a potential setback for Boeing, especially concerning the 777x, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the significance of the orders from Korean Air, asserting that Boeing jets have been integral to the airline for the past five decades and that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will help support their sustainability and growth objectives in the future.