United Airlines Expands Fleet with Order of 110 New Aircraft for 2028 Deliveries

United Airlines Expands Fleet with Order of 110 New Aircraft for 2028 Deliveries

United Airlines announced on October 3, 2023, a significant expansion to its fleet, placing orders for 110 new aircraft scheduled for delivery starting in 2028. This move is a testament to the airline's forward-looking strategy and commitment to enhancing its service offerings.

The order comprises 50 Boeing 787-9s, set for delivery between 2028 and 2031, and 60 Airbus A321neos, scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030. This decision builds upon the early achievements of the United Next strategy, emphasizing the airline's focus on long-term fleet flexibility and growth.

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In addition to the firm orders, United has secured options for up to 50 more Boeing 787s and purchase rights for an additional 40 A321neo aircraft, slated for the end of the decade.

United CEO Scott Kirby expressed confidence in the airline's strategic direction, stating, "Our planning and focus on the long term have positioned us ahead of competitors. As we continue to integrate new, larger aircraft, we are poised to maximize our flying opportunities both domestically and internationally."

By the end of 2032, United anticipates the delivery of approximately 800 new narrowbody and widebody aircraft.

Larger Aircraft, Enhanced Connectivity

A pivotal element of the United Next plan is the shift towards larger aircraft, allowing more seats on existing routes. Given United's presence in major markets such as Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/NYC, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., this strategy also enhances overall connectivity on both domestic and international fronts.

In 2019, United's average seating capacity per North American departure was 104 seats, one of the industry's lowest. By 2027, this figure is projected to increase by over 40% to surpass 145 seats. With firm orders for 180 A321neo and over 370 737 MAX aircraft through 2030, the average seats per departure are expected to rise further, ensuring cost efficiency.

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Fleet Adaptability and Customer Experience

United's latest order offers flexibility for either fleet growth or replacement, contingent on future demand and economic conditions. Adding 50 Boeing 787-9s will further streamline the airline's international fleet, resulting in cost savings and enhanced customer experience.

The new aircraft will feature state-of-the-art amenities and technological advancements, consistent with previous United Next orders. Narrowbody aircraft will be equipped with seatback screens, ample overhead storage, Bluetooth connectivity, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Widebody aircraft will showcase the United Polaris® business class, offering passengers individual pods with lie-flat seats and 16-inch seatback screens.

Furthermore, these aircraft will contribute to United's sustainability goals, with reduced carbon emissions compared to older models. This aligns with the airline's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

About United Airlines

United Airlines, under the banner "Good Leads The Way," operates from U.S. hubs in major cities and boasts the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers. Now recognized as the world's largest airline by available seat miles, more information about United can be found at www.united.com.