Boeing has secured orders for a minimum of 40 wide-body jetliners from Korean Air, a significant win for the company at a time when it has been facing numerous challenges. The order includes 20 of Boeing’s yet-to-be-certified 777X jetliners, the largest in its commercial jet lineup, as well as 20 787-10 Dreamliner planes. Korean Air CEO Walter Cho expressed confidence in Boeing, stating that he expects to start receiving the planes later this decade.
Boeing has been dealing with delays in its aircraft production, largely due to supply chain issues stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. The certification flight tests for the 777X, which have just begun with the FAA, mark a significant milestone for the company. In addition, Boeing has had to address safety concerns and manufacturing flaws, such as the door plug blowout incident on one of its 737 Max planes earlier this year.
Despite these challenges, Korean Air’s CEO Walter Cho voiced his confidence in Boeing’s ability to overcome these obstacles. He emphasized that he would not have placed the order if he was not assured of Boeing’s capabilities. Cho stated that he believes Boeing will successfully navigate through its current challenges, and he has full confidence in the company.
Competition with Airbus
It is worth noting that earlier this year, Korean Air also placed an order for Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, the largest in that model. Cho mentioned that the first aircraft to be delivered, whether from Boeing or Airbus, would become the airline’s flagship. This reflects the competitive landscape in the aviation industry and underscores the importance of timely delivery for airlines.
The order from Korean Air is a positive development for Boeing and demonstrates that the company still has the trust of its customers. As Boeing works to address its production challenges and regain its footing in the market, orders like this one from Korean Air serve as a vote of confidence in the company’s future. By delivering on its commitments and ensuring the timely delivery of aircraft, Boeing can continue to win over customers and strengthen its position in the industry.
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