These Airlines Are Eyeing New Widebody Aircraft Orders from Airbus & Boeing

Several major airlines are on the verge of making significant fleet expansions, signaling potential orders for widebody aircraft from industry giants Airbus and Boeing.

These forthcoming orders signify a pivotal moment for the aviation industry as these airlines prioritize modernizing their fleets to meet evolving demands and enhance passenger experiences.

Among these carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) is reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a purchase for around a dozen long-haul widebody planes. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is anticipated to feature prominently in this order as japanairlines aims to revamp its fleet, replacing aging Boeing 767 aircraft with more modern narrowbody jets to fortify its network.

Meanwhile, qatar airways is initiating discussions with both Boeing Co. and Airbus SE for a substantial order of up to 150 widebody jets. With ambitions to rejuvenate its aging long-distance fleet, Qatar Airways is eyeing a mix of airbus a350 900 and Boeing 777X models to modernize and expand its operations. While the specifics of the order remain undisclosed, the airline is poised for a substantial renewal.

Cebu Pacific, a prominent Philippine budget carrier, is poised to make a decisive move in May or June regarding its order for over 100 narrowbody aircraft. CEO Michael Szucs has indicated that the airline is weighing options between Airbus and Boeing models. The decision could see a combination of Airbus A320neo and A321neo or Boeing’s high-capacity 737 MAX 8-200 and 737 MAX 10 entering Cebu Pacific’s fleet starting from 2027.

Lastly, Korean Air is reportedly weighing an order for 20 airbus a350, potentially adding to its existing fleet of A350s following the planned merger with Asiana Airlines. Sources close to negotiations indicate that Korean Air intends to purchase approximately 20 A350 jets, with a decision expected to emerge from a pivotal board meeting held by the airline’s executives on March 21, 2024.