ALJAZEERA: The European aviation giant Airbus announced its first-ever deal Monday with Japan Airlines (JAL). Worth an estimated $9.5 billion, the agreement challenges Boeing’s dominance in the Japanese market and deals a significant blow to the American multinational company as it struggles to recover from bad press over mechanical problems with its highly touted Boeing 787, also known as the Dreamliner.
JAL said it was ordering 31 planes — 18 long-haul A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s — with an option to buy another 25 aircraft. The new planes are expected to come into service starting in 2019 as JAL replaces its aging Boeing 777 fleet.
The historical ties between Japan and the U.S., including security arrangements, have played a significant role in the domination of the Chicago-based Boeing Co. However, in recent years, other Japanese carriers, especially newer low-cost airlines, have been gradually switching to Airbus… (more)
