United Airlines Expands 787 Dreamliner Fleet with 100 Additional Orders
Boeing and United Airlines announced the carrier is expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet, exercising options to order 50 787-9 airplanes and securing an additional 50 options. (Image: Boeing)
United Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its 787 Dreamliner fleet, exercising options to order 50 more 787-9 airplanes and securing an additional 50 options. This substantial Dreamliner order enhances United’s operational flexibility as the airline proceeds with the modernization of its global fleet over the coming decade.
“We’re charting a promising course at United, and this order extends our already successful United Next initiative well into the next decade,” stated Scott Kirby, United CEO. “Our forward-thinking and long-term approach have propelled us ahead of other airlines that remained static. I firmly believe that our strategy is the right one as we continue to introduce new, larger aircraft to maximize our growing flight opportunities both internationally and domestically.”
With a total of 150 firm orders, United boasts the largest Dreamliner order book in aviation history and is positioned to become the world’s largest operator of 787 aircraft. This latest announcement follows the airline’s record-breaking purchase of 100 787 airplanes last year, to replace its old Boeing 767-300ERs and Boeing 777-200s.
As of September 2023, with an average age of 16.3 years, United has the oldest fleet of all major US airlines. Their oldest planes are the Boeing 767-300ER from the early 1990s, which are between 30 and 32 years old.
United’s current Boeing 787 fleet:
- 787-8 operating 12
- 787-9 operating 38 on order 150, with 100 options
- 787-10 operating 21
As the first airline to operate all three models within the 787 family, United currently operates a fleet of over 70 Dreamliners. The 787’s exceptional fuel efficiency and reliability grant United the flexibility to serve its extensive global route network effectively.
“United’s unparalleled commitment to the 787 Dreamliner family underscores the outstanding operational efficiency and reliability of Boeing’s widebody aircraft,” commented Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With the 787, United will reap the benefits of operating one of the world’s largest and most efficient fleets.”
The superior efficiency and performance of the 787 result in a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by up to 25% when compared to the aircraft it replaces, contingent on the configuration. The 787-9 boasts an impressive global range, enabling airlines to cover distances of up to 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km) while accommodating as many as 296 passengers.
The 787 has secured its position as the best-selling widebody aircraft in history, with over 1,800 orders from 87 customers, including more than 870 repeat orders from 56 loyal customers. Over the past year, customers have committed to nearly 350 orders for the 787 family, reaffirming its enduring popularity in the aviation industry.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, boeing.com, united.com