The American airline gives Boeing an early Christmas present. United orders 100 more 737 Max and 100 more 787, while also securing options for more long-haul jets.
That’s quite a number: United Airlines expects around 700 new aircraft in the next ten years. The airline will add two new jets to its fleet every week in 2023 and three in 2024. With the new aircraft, it wants to expand and replace old aircraft.
On Tuesday (December 13) United got supplies. The airline announced an order for 100 more Boeing 787s. The long-haul jets will be delivered between 2024 and 2032. They will replace more than 100 older Boeing 767-300 ER and 777-200. The 767 will be phased out completely by 2030, according to United.
What will happen to the ordered Airbus A350?
At the same time, the Americans secured an option for 100 more Dreamliners. You have the choice between the three variants. United already operates 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 – 65 in total. It is the largest order for long-haul aircraft that an airline has ever placed in the United States, the airline said in a statement on the order.
The order is a triumph for Boeing. Because in addition to the 787, the Airbus A350 was also available. It’s unclear what’s going on with that old order from United for 45 A350-900 will happen. Delivery has been pushed back time following time, having originally been scheduled for 2018. A conversion into an order for Airbus A321 Neo would be conceivable.
«Consolidate leadership position»
But United is already expanding its short- and medium-haul fleet. With the bulk order for up to 200 Dreamliners, the American airline also announced that it would procure more Boeing 737 Max. She will get 44 additional jets, which are to be delivered between 2024 and 2026, by exercising options. United will get another 56 Boeing 737 Max (delivery between 2027 and 2028) by increasing the firm order. The airline has already ordered three variants of the Max – Max 8, Max 9 and Max 10. It currently has 70 Boeing 737 Max 8 and 737 Max 9 in its fleet.
“United has emerged from the pandemic as the world’s leading airline and the national airline of the United States,” said Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer. These orders strengthen the leadership position.
