Japan Airlines-JAL (Tokyo) has been a loyal Boeing customer. However the recent problems with the much-delayed Boeing 787 may have soured that relationship. According to Nikkei, the company is now considering an order from rival Airbus for 20 Airbus A350s and it will make a decision in June. However this may also be a ploy to get better terms and compensation from Boeing for the 787 delays. JAL is considering replacing its current Boeing 777-300 ERs with the new Airbus A350-100s for its European routes.
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Copyright Photo: Akira Uekawa. Boeing 777-346 JA8941 (msn 28393) approaches the Tokyo (Haneda) hub for landing.
JAL-Japan Airlines: 
I think a JAL order of the Airbus A350 is a huge blow to Boeing. JAL is an extremely loyal Boeing customer, and I think this order sends a message to Boeing that JAL is very disappointed with the performance of their new 787s. Following a battery fire incident in Boston and similar problem with rival ANA in Japan, all 787s around the world were grounded.
Thank you Samuel. Yes I agree it is a message to Boeing that they are considering an order with Airbus. Besides the 787 problems which JAL has had to endure financially, it could be a ploy to get better terms on 787 compensation or for a follow-up order. The airlines play the game well of pitting one manufacturer against the other.
Needless to say, Boeing’s decision to outsource many components of the 787 has been a mistake in my opinion. Originally a concept to save money, it will turn into a more expensive airplane because of the delays and lost customers. Boeing needs to apologize for these mistakes of the past, find a solution and start assembling 787s again. The airlines need the 787 to be flying, not on the ground. Thank you for your readership.
Bruce