Boeing has recently announced significant orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The manufacturer revealed the news on Monday, stating that it had secured commitments for up to 80 planes. This comes as a response to increased competition from Airbus, which had temporarily gained ground with these carriers following issues with Boeing’s 737 Max earlier this year.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to reinvest in the 787 Dreamliner as the airline looks to modernize its fleet. The announcement coincides with the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a pivotal event for the aviation industry.
Japan Airlines has placed an order for ten Dreamliners, with an option for an additional ten. Meanwhile, Korean Air has committed to buying twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 planes, also with an option for ten more 787-10s.
The orders mark a strategic comeback for Boeing following a Reuters report in March, which highlighted Airbus’s sale of eleven A321neo jets to Japan Air—their first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a competitor. The A321neo directly competes with the troubled 737 Max, which was in the midst of a production slowdown due to ongoing issues.
Bloomberg also noted that Airbus had secured wide-body jet orders from Korean Air, which traditionally has a Boeing-centric fleet. This move was interpreted as a potential snub to Boeing’s 777x model, which is nearing regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, emphasized the importance of their long-standing relationship with Korean Air, stating that the new orders of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will aid the airline’s future sustainability and growth objectives.