Boeing has made significant strides in securing new orders for its major aircraft as it reported on Monday that Japan Airlines and Korean Air have placed orders for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes. This move comes after Airbus made gains with these airlines following the complications surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, who heads Boeing’s sales operations, expressed appreciation for Japan Airlines’ continued partnership, stating, “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.”
The announcement coincides with the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines is set to receive 10 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 additional units. Meanwhile, Korean Air has ordered twenty 777-9 models and twenty 787-10 jets, including an option for 10 more 787-10s.
This partnership reinforces Boeing’s relationship with these airlines amidst recent competitive pressures from Airbus. Earlier this year, Japan Airlines made headlines when it purchased 11 A321neo jets from Airbus, marking a shift in sourcing a single-aisle aircraft, which had traditionally been Boeing’s territory. In the same vein, reports indicated that Airbus sold several wide-body jets to Korean Air, typically a Boeing-dominated fleet, signaling a potential shift in market dynamics.
Stephanie Pope, Boeing’s head of commercial airplanes, welcomed Korean Air’s decision, highlighting the long-standing history between the airline and Boeing over the past 50 years. Pope emphasized that the new 777X and 787 Dreamliner models will significantly contribute to the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.