Boeing has announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft, totaling up to 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This announcement came on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a prominent industry event. Japan Airlines has placed an order for 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 additional units, while Korean Air has ordered 20 777-9 models and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s head of sales operations, expressed the company’s appreciation for the partnership with Japan Airlines, emphasizing the airline’s continued choice of the 787 Dreamliner as it modernizes its fleet. This order comes after Airbus had made inroads with these airlines during a challenging period for Boeing, particularly following the 737 Max issues earlier this year.
Furthermore, reports from March indicated that Japan Airlines had purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift as it was the first time the airline acquired a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This decision reflected the troubles Boeing was facing at that time.
Similarly, Airbus had sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, which primarily uses Boeing aircraft. This move was perceived as a snub to Boeing’s 777x aircraft, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, Boeing’s head of commercial airplanes, remarked on the importance of the orders from Korean Air, highlighting the company’s long-standing relationship with the airline and stating that these new aircraft will contribute to Korean Air’s sustainability and growth objectives.