Airbus (AIR) won orders for 65 jets from two key Asian customers of Boeing (BA) on Thursday, marking another win for the European planemaker as its U.S. rival grapples with quality issues with its 737 MAX models.
Japan Airlines (JAL) will buy 21 A350-900 widebody jets and 11 A321neo narrowbody jets from Airbus. The order from Japan’s second-largest airline gives Airbus a foothold in its rival’s territory. JAL said its orders are expected to take delivery between fiscal years 2025 and 2033, with a list price of about $12.4 billion.
South Korea’s largest carrier, Korean Air, will also order 33 A350s worth $13.7 billion, its first purchase of the type as it prepares to merge with Asiana Airlines, another South Korean carrier.
Airbus has steadily gained market share for its single-aisle A321neo jet following multiple crises with the Boeing 737 MAX, including two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing has faced safety and quality reviews and regulatory curbs on its production since a panel broke on an Alaska Airlines flight on January 5.
