The 2024 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow is off to a great start for Boeing. The aircraft manufacturer that has been reeling from a slate of issues over the last few years received 78 aircraft orders and options on the first day of the show. The orders cover a wide variety of options and include the 777-9, 777 Freighter, 737-10 MAX, and the popular 787 Dreamliner.
National Orders Boeing 777 Freighters
National Airlines got things started with an order of four Boeing 777 Freighters (based on the 777-200LR). The order is National’s first directly from Boeing and the new 777 Freighters will be used to complement the airline’s existing 747-400 freighters.
Christopher Alf, chairman of National Airlines, said this about the company’s first direct order from Boeing:
This demonstrates our commitment to offering efficient, resourceful, and modern air freight services to support our global customers’ increasing transportation demands. The order affirms our fleet growth plan as we enter into the next chapter of National.
Christopher Alf, National Airlines Chairman
To date, Boeing has delivered over 270 777 Freighters to customers around the globe.
Luxair Goes Large with the 737-10 MAX
Luxair, the flag carrier of Luxembourg, joined the aircraft order party. The airline, which already ordered the 737-7 and 737-8 MAX variants, placed an order for two 737-10 MAX aircraft with options for two more. The 737-10 is the largest aircraft in the Boeing 737 family.
Luxair’s press release indicates that they will configure their 737-10s with 213 seats featuring at least 30″ of seat pitch. Over the past two years, Luxair has expanded its route network by 30%, serving 94 destinations with a fleet of 21 aircraft. Boeing SVP of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Brad McMullen, was quoted saying; “With three members of the 737 MAX family in its fleet, Luxair will have the flexibility to use the right-size airplane according to the market demand.”
Luxair’s CEO Gilles Feith touted the commonality between the various 737 MAX models as a key factor in the airline’s decision.
Japan Airlines and Korean Air Add Widebody Orders
The largest orders for Boeing on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow came from two asian heavyweights. Korean Air becomes the newest customer for Boeing’s flagship 777X line with an order for 20 777-9’s. The South Korean flag carrier also ordered 20 787-10s, the largest variant of the 787 Dreamliner, along with options for ten more.
Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air, said this about the carrier’s new order:
“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. 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.”
Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air
Korean Air has been a longtime customer of Boeing’s and even produces some aircraft components for Boeing’s 737 MAX, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft via their Aerospace Division.
Japan Airlines (JAL) rounded out a busy day of orders for Boeing. The Japanese carrier ordered 10 additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft and has options for ten more. Japan Airlines currently has more than 50 787 Dreamliners in its fleet, operating everything from long-haul transpacific routes to short, regional hops around the region.
In recent years, JAL has used the 787 to open up new routes like Tokyo-Boston and Tokyo-San Diego. The 787-9 has the most range of any 787 variant, with the ability to fly up to 7,565 nautical miles.
Summary
Boeing has received orders from airlines around the globe on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow. Widebody orders from two Asian carriers dominated the books but Luxair and National joined in on the fun as well. Qatar Airways also unveiled its next generation Qsuite at the show which is set to debut on their Boeing 777-9s.
(Images courtesy The Boeing Company)
