Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air, totaling up to 80 planes. This announcement was made on Monday, signaling that Boeing is regaining ground after facing competition from Airbus in the wake of a crisis related to its 737 Max earlier this year.
Boeing aims to raise $19 billion to address delivery delays and employee stoppages. Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their selection of the 787 Dreamliner as part of their fleet modernization efforts.
These announcements coincided with the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has committed to purchasing 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional units, while Korean Air has placed orders for twenty 777-9s and twenty 787-10s, also with an option for 10 extra 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” comes after reports in March indicated that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking a shift as it was the first time Japan Airlines had purchased a single-aisle aircraft from anyone other than Boeing. The A321neo competes with Boeing’s 737 Max, which was embroiled in a major scandal and production challenges at that time.
Additionally, there were reports that Airbus sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. This order was perceived as a setback for Boeing’s 777x, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, stated that Boeing is honored that Korean Air has chosen their extensive widebody planes to enhance its global operations. She noted that Boeing aircraft have been essential to Korean Air over the past 50 years, emphasizing that the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will help the airline achieve its sustainability and growth objectives.