United Airlines Boosts Fleet with 60 A321neo and 50 Boeing 787-9 Orders

United Airlines has expanded its aircraft orders, finalizing the purchase rights for 60 Airbus A321neo and 50 Boeing B787-9, while securing additional purchase rights for 40 A321neo and 50 B787-9 aircraft. The deliveries for the newly ordered planes are set to commence in 2028, with the B787-9s being gradually inducted through 2031 and the A321neo fleet expected to be in service by 2030.

United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, emphasized the airline’s strategic focus on long-term planning and upgauging capacity. He expressed confidence in the chosen strategy, positioning United ahead of competitors in leveraging growing flying opportunities on both international and domestic routes.

The order aligns with United’s commitment to larger aircraft, supporting a planned increase in average seats per departure from 104 in 2019 to 145 by 2027.

United Airlines’ existing narrowbody fleet comprises various Airbus A320 family models, Boeing B737s, and B757s. While the carrier currently operates no A320neo Family aircraft, the new A321neo order complements its existing commitment for A321-200NX and A321-200NY(XLR) aircraft.

In the widebody segment, United Airlines operates B787-8s, B787-9s, and B787-10s. The newly confirmed B787-9 order will contribute to the simplification of United’s widebody fleet, which includes B767s, B777s, and A350s. The airline’s comprehensive fleet expansion plan positions it for continued growth in the evolving aviation landscape.