United Airlines Expands A321neo Fleet with New Leases
United Airlines (UA) has announced a significant expansion of its fleet, entering into new lease agreements for forty A321neo aircraft, as revealed in its 2024 third-quarter financial results. These new leases, finalized with several unnamed lessors, are set to be delivered in 2026 and 2027, marking a substantial increase in the airline’s leasing obligations from USD 3.7 billion to approximately USD 4 billion, reported ch-aviation.com.
This strategic move underscores United’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and enhancing operational efficiency. The A321neo is known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, making it a favorable choice for airlines looking to improve sustainability and reduce operational costs. With these additional aircraft, United aims to strengthen its competitive edge in the aviation market.
Currently, United Airlines operates a diverse fleet of 972 mainline aircraft, which includes a mix of narrowbody and widebody jets. The airline’s fleet consists of various models, such as eighty-one A319-100s, seventy-nine A320-200s, fifteen A321-200NX, and numerous Boeing models, including the B737 series and B777 series. The addition of the A321neo will further enhance United’s capability to serve its extensive network efficiently.
As part of its leasing strategy, United currently leases 115 aircraft from eleven different lessors, including prominent names like AerCap, Air Lease Corporation, and SMBC Aviation Capital, which will provide a total of twenty A321neo jets. This diversification of lessors allows United to maintain flexibility in its fleet management and ensures access to the latest aircraft models.
In addition to the newly signed leases, United Airlines has firm commitments for 686 jets, including a substantial order of 150 Boeing 787s, along with other Boeing and Airbus models, such as eighteen 737-8s, 141 737-9s, and fifty A350-900s. This robust order book highlights United’s aggressive growth strategy and its focus on expanding its fleet to meet increasing travel demand.
During an investor call, Mike Leskinen, United’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, stated, “In the fourth quarter, we expect to take delivery of 19 narrowbody aircraft and three widebody aircraft; our estimate accounts for our current assessment of the impact of delays at both Airbus and Boeing.” This outlook reflects United’s proactive approach in navigating supply chain challenges that have affected the aviation industry.
For 2025, United has contractual deliveries for 81 aircraft, including eighteen Boeing 787s and twenty-three A321neo. However, the airline anticipates receiving slightly fewer than expected, projecting deliveries of 78 aircraft, which include eleven 787s, sixteen 737-8s, twenty-eight 737-9s, and twenty-three A321neo jets.
In terms of financial performance, United Airlines reported impressive results for the nine months ending September 30, with total operating revenue of USD 42.36 billion and a net profit of USD 2.16 billion. These figures demonstrate the airline’s resilience and growth potential, as it continues to invest in its fleet and enhance its service offerings.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, united.com