image

Article - Airline

Farnborough Airshow 2024: Boeing announces new widebody jet orders with Korean Air, Japan Airlines

by Jeffrey Teruel - Founder/Editor-Flights in Asia
Published on July 23, 2024

Summary

During the first day of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, Boeing announced four aircraft orders – including widebody jet orders from Korean Air and Japan Airlines (JAL).



During the first day of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, Boeing announced four aircraft orders – including widebody jet orders from Korean Air and Japan Airlines (JAL).


Announced separately, the first of the two major announcements was with Korean Air which will purchase up to 50 aircraft including 777-9s and 787-10s. JAL will add to its fleet with a firm order of 10 787-9s.


Korean Air: 777-9 and 787-10 


Korean Air announced with Boeing its intention to purchase up to 50 Boeing widebody jets – including 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s. In addition, Korean Air will have options for 10 more of the largest variant of the 787 Dreamliner.


The new order will add the South Korean carrier as a new customer with the biggest order for the 777X – the latest variant of the 777 family aircraft. The airline will also add more 787-10s to its fleet, which it recently took delivery of the first of the aircraft.


Both the 777-9s and 787-10s will be used to support Korean Air's planned growth and renewal of its fleet. The range and capacity will enable the airline to reach high-demand markets in Europe and North America, as well as popular regional routes ahead of its anticipated merger with Asiana Airlines.


"The addition of the Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our strategic objective to expand and upgrade our fleet," said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. "This investment underscores our commitment to providing a best-in-class flying experience. These new airplanes will elevate passenger comfort and enhance operational efficiency, while significantly reducing carbon emissions, supporting our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation


"We are honored Korean Air has selected our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to its global network," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing airplanes have played an integral role with Korean Air over the past 50 years, and the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will continue to support the airline's long-term goals for sustainability and continued growth."


JAL adds more 787s 


Boeing and JAL announced the Tokyo-based carrier will take up to 20 more 787s – including 10 787-9s with options for 10 more.


Previously announced in March as part of plans to acquire A350s and 787s, the 787 order will bring the number of aircraft ordered by JAL with Boeing to 31 – including 21 737 MAX - and will now be included on Boeing's orders and deliveries page.  


"We are delighted to announce the addition of 787 Dreamliners to our fleet. This order underscores our commitment to accelerating the introduction of the modern and more fuel-efficient aircraft to deliver unparalleled service to our customers and further reduce CO₂ emissions. We greatly appreciate the strong relationship and support from Boeing, which has been instrumental in our efforts to modernize our fleet and expand our international routes," said Yukio Nakagawa, JAL Executive Officer of Procurement.


JAL – one of the first operators of the 787s – will add to its Dreamliner fleet of more than 50 of the widebody jets. The airline currently operates both 787-8s and 787-9s, with the -9s used on international routes to North America, Asia, and India.


"Japan Airlines continues to be a global ambassador for the 787 Dreamliner and this latest agreement is a testament to the versatility and efficiency of the 787-9 for the airline's key long-haul routes," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "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."


Other aircraft orders


Along with Korean Air and JAL, Boeing announced new aircraft orders with National Airlines for four 777 Freighters (777F) and Luxair for four 737-10 (MAX 10).

Powered by Froala Editor