Showing posts with label UNITED AIRLINES. Show all posts

Friday, 5 June 2026

Airbus Updates No.4664

United Airlines Takes Delivery Of Its First Airbus A321XLR

United Airlines has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the airline’s fleet and route network.

The aircraft was handed over at Airbus’ Hamburg facility in Germany before beginning its journey to the United States. It is the first of 50 A321XLRs on order for the airline and represents one of the most significant fleet developments in United’s long-term growth strategy.

The arrival of the aircraft comes after several delivery delays that pushed the programme beyond United’s original expectations. However, with the first example now delivered, aviation enthusiasts can finally look forward to seeing the type enter commercial service in United colours later this year.

The Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) is the latest and longest-range member of the A320neo family. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700km), it allows airlines to operate routes that were previously the domain of larger widebody aircraft.

For airlines such as United, the aircraft offers the ability to serve so-called “long thin” routes — destinations that don’t generate enough demand to justify a Boeing 787 or other widebody aircraft but can be profitably served by a smaller narrowbody jet.

The aircraft has already entered service with several airlines worldwide, but United is expected to become one of the most prominent operators of the type thanks to its substantial order book.

Unlike many narrowbody aircraft, United’s A321XLR has been configured for long-haul operations and features a highly premium-heavy cabin.

The aircraft seats just 150 passengers and includes:

20 United Polaris business class suites
12 Premium Plus premium economy seats
118 economy seats

Among the highlights are fully lie-flat Polaris suites with privacy doors, large entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity and upgraded premium cabins. Economy passengers will also benefit from modern interiors and a self-service snack bar located at the rear of the aircraft.

The relatively low seat count reflects United’s intention to use the aircraft on longer international sectors rather than dense domestic routes.

United has not yet revealed a complete route map for the type, but the airline has repeatedly indicated that the A321XLR will be used primarily on transatlantic services and routes to smaller European destinations that cannot support larger aircraft. South American routes are also expected to feature prominently.

The aircraft’s impressive range opens up numerous possibilities from United’s hubs, particularly Newark and Washington Dulles. Aviation observers have speculated that destinations in secondary European markets, North Africa and parts of South America could become viable candidates.

Monday, 23 September 2024

Airbus Updates No.4368

United Airlines to dry-lease twenty Airbus A321neo

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) has signed a dry-lease contract with SMBC Aviation Capital for twenty A321-200NX.

The agreement was inked in April 2024 but the identity of the lessor was not disclosed at that time. SMBC said the aircraft would be drawn from its Airbus order book and deliver in 2026-2027.

SMBC has a portfolio of six owned A321-200Ns (and a further two managed), forty-one A321-200NX (and 35 managed), and two owned and managed A321-200NX(LR)s in terms of its A321neo fleet. Its existing order book with the manufacturer comprises a further 52 of the type, of which five are listed as A321-200NX(LR)s, according to the ch-aviation fleets module.

United Airlines currently leases twenty B737-8s from SMBC.

The US carrier operates fifteen A321-200NX and has a further 115 on a direct order from Airbus. In April, it said it would add a further thirty-five A321-200NX on leases, including the now-unveiled deal with SMBC. The carrier also has fifty A321-200NY(XLR)s on order.

Wednesday, 28 August 2024

Airbus Updates No.4350

United Airlines to add first A321neo(XLR) in late 4Q25

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) is set to receive its first A321-200NY(XLR) in December 2025 and will use these new-gen Airbus narrowbodies to replace its ageing Boeing B757 fleet.

In an interview with Business Insider, United’s senior vice president for global network planning and alliances, Patrick Quayle, said the B757 is becoming uneconomical to use for the cities and smaller markets it serves, such as Tenerife Sur and Reykjavik Keflavik. "But we want to continue flying to these cities, and the A321neo(XLR) is long-ranged and has much better fuel burn and maintenance costs.”

The Chicago-based carrier has an order for fifty A321neo(XLR)s. They will mainly be used on flights to international destinations. United currently operates its B757-200s and B757-300s to international destinations such as Dublin International, Edinburgh, Shannon, Lima International, Lisbon, Malaga, Porto, Tenerife, and Reykjavik, the ch-aviation schedules module shows. They are also used broadly in domestic operations across the United States.

However, Quayle said the carrier is also looking at new destinations, previously unreachable with narrowbody gauge aircraft, such as France, Italy, Scandinavia, and parts of Africa. “The A321neo(XLR) can fly much further [than the 757] and will open up new stations that either don’t have service from an airline today, or don’t have United Airlines' service.”

ch-aviation has contacted United Airlines for comment. The ch-aviation fleets module shows the carrier has forty B757-200s (averaging 27.6 years of age) and twenty-one B757-300s (22.1 years on average).

Airbus is set to deliver the first XLR to Iberia (IB, Madrid Barajas) later this year. In November, the Spanish carrier will introduce it to commercial service from Madrid Barajas to Boston.

Saturday, 20 July 2024

Airbus Updates No.4323

Airbus receives EASA certification for the A321XLR

19 July 2024 is a happy day for Airbus as EASA has certified the A321XLR. With this final hurdle cleared, Airbus can now start delivery of the newest variant of the A321neo to its customers.

Originally, Airbus planned to had the A321XLR certified in 2023, with deliveries starting then as well. However, due to concerns about the fire safety of the new rear center fuel tank, certification was puhsed back. Thanks to this additional fuel tank, the XLR is able to fly 15% further than the A321neoLR (A321-200NX), with a maximum of 8,700 km.

Airbus has so far received more than 500 orders for the A321XLR. Iberia will be the launch customer, with delivery scheduled later this year. Entry into commercial service with the Spanish airline is planned for November and it will be first used to serve Boston from Madrid. In January 2025, Washington-Dulles is to follow.

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo is the largest customer for the XLR and has orders for 69 A321-200NYs. A shared second place as largest customer for the type are for American Airlines and United Airlines, which both have 50 on order.

Friday, 19 April 2024

Airbus Updates No.4263

United secures additional Airbus A321neos

United Airlines has announced on 16 April 2024 that it has secured leases for additional Airbus A321neos. In January 2024, Scramble reported that the airline was in discussion with Airbus for more A321neos. It now seems, however, that the airline has settled to fill its capacity gaps with leased aircraft.

In total United is leasing 35 A321neos that will be delivered from 2026. The new Airbuses will fill the void that is created by the late certification and delivery of its Boeing B737-10s it has on order. Which lessors are involved is currently unclear.

With these lease-deals, United is bringing its total commitment to the A321neo to 215. So far, it has taken delivery of seven of those.

Photo by Airbus.

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

Airbus Updates No.4211

United starts discussions with Airbus for more Airbus

A321neos

Reuters is reporting that United Airlines has started discussions with Airbus about a potential order for more A321neos. The airline is doing this as it's very unhappy with the grounding of the MAX9 and all the production, delivery and certification delays of the MAX.

Earlier in January, the CEO of United Airlines called the partial grounding of the MAX9 "the straw that broke the camels back" after also facing uncertainties due to the delay in certification of the MAX10. As a result of all this, the airline has removed the MAX10 from all its internal fleet planning until further notice, leaving the airline scrambling to secure additional capacity to support its growth plans. United has a total of 277 MAX10s on order, which it had planned to incorporate into the fleet from 2024 until 2032.

According to the news agency, Airbus is willing to work with United and is talking with other A321neo-customers to see if they're willing to reshuffle orders in order to free up short term production slots. It also reports that Airbus wants to include a firm delivery timeline for the 45 A350-900s the airline has on order into a potential deal.

United Airlines originally ordered 25 A350-900s in 2010. In 2013, it changed the order into 35 A350-1000s, and four years later it converted it into 45 A350-900s. During all the changes, the airline also deferred deliveries, which are now pushbacked as far as 2030. At the same time, Airbus saw United ordering more B787s, lastly in October 2023 when it ordered 50 more B787-9s. However, things appear to be moving within United as the airline's CFO also said in January 2024, that the airline was looking to take delivery of its first A350 as of 2030 to replace older B777s.

United has placed large orders over the last years in order to renew and expand its fleet. With Airbus it has open orders for 176 A321neos, 45 A350-900s. At Boeing, the airline has open orders for 354 MAXs (all versions) and 150 B787-9s.

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Airbus Updates No.4124

United welcomes first Airbus A321neo

On 16 October 2023, the first United Airlines Airbus A321neo was ferried to Houston (TX) on delivery. The aircraft, A321-271NX N44501 (11500) was handed over at the Airbus-factory at Hamburg on 10 October 2023. Originally, the aircraft was due to ferry on 13 October but this flight was cancelled. The delivery route was Hamburg-Reykjavik-Cleveland-Houston.

The delivery is the first factory fresh Airbus-delivery for United Airlines since 2002. It's also the first of 180 A321neos the airline has on order. Earlier this month, United announced that it has added 60 additional orders for the type.

Initially, United Airlines is planning to fly its new Airbus from Chicago (IL) to Fort Lauderdale (FL) and Phoenix (AZ). Commercial service is due to begin early December.

Wednesday, 4 October 2023

Airbus Updates No.4114

United places large orders with Airbus and Boeing

United Airlines has announced that it has converted options and purchase rights into new firm orders. With Airbus, the airline ordered 60 additional Airbus A321neos, as well as options on another 40. Boeing could write down a firm order for 50 B787-9s, with options on another 50. Deliveries of the Airbuses is scheduled between 2028 and 2030, while the Dreamliners should be delivered between 2028 and 2031.

The airline is planning to renew and expand its fleet and now has a total of more than 700 new aircraft on order for delivery between 2023 and the end of 2032. With Boeing, United has 370 B737MAXs on order, as well as 150 B787s. With Airbus, it has 180 A321neos and, officially, 45 A350-900s on order. The latter order has, however, been pushbacked for many years and this latest additional Dreamliner-order begs the question if United will keep them.

In the coming weeks, United will take delivery of its first A321-200NX. The Airbus, currently registered D-AXXH (11500) is almost ready for delivery from the Hamburg-Finkenwerder site and will become N44501.

Monday, 6 December 2021

Airbus Updates No.3672

Airbus Is Putting The Final Touches On Its First A321XLR

Airbus’ first A321XLR has entered the final assembly phase in Hamburg. With manufacturer serial number 11000, the aircraft will act as a test and certification aircraft ahead of the type’s expected entry into service with Middle East Airlines in 2023. The first flight of the plane is expected next year.

Airbus, A321XLR, Final Assembly — Airbus has finished assembling the fuselage of the first A231XLR. Photo: Airbus

The Airbus A321XLR was an instant hit when launched at the 2019 Paris Air Show. According to data from ch-aviation.com, Airbus has clocked orders for almost 450 XLR aircraft since its launch. Before the European manufacturer can start delivering these planes, it must first get the type certified, as was the case with the other A321neo family aircraft that came before the XLR.

Entering final assembly

Airbus’s first A321XLR is now entering final assembly in Hamburg. The aircraft has been under construction for quite some time now, with the first center wing box being completed back in April in Nantes, France. Parts of the A321XLR are being built all over Europe.

Of course, the first of any aircraft typically takes slightly longer to build. While Airbus will plan how to make the plane before starting the project, the processes are still yet to become fully established. Airbus wants to build the XLR across its four A320 family final assembly lines, and with this in mind, the company wants teams at all sites to learn from the experience of building the first aircraft.

Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests.

Ready to leave FAL Hangar Nine?

The manufacture of the first A321XLR has been taking place in Hangar Nine at the Airbus Hamburg site in Finkenwerder, Germany. According to the planemaker, the aircraft isn’t quite ready to leave the hangar just yer. While most of the aircraft has been built, a few steps remain.

Airbus intends to install a suite of flight test instruments into the aircraft to be used during the aircraft’s test phase. Simple Flying recently got a peek at what such instrumentation looks like on the Boeing 777X in Dubai. Additionally, Airbus still needs to install and test the CFM LEAP engines that will power the jet.

Once the landing gear retraction mechanism has been tested, the aircraft will enter the paint shop to receive the final production touches before being handed over to the flight test team. Once the flight test team takes the plane, they will complete a series of ground checks to check that the aircraft operates as expected before it takes to the skies. The final step will see a first flight take part in 2022.

Once the A321XLR has completed its first flight, it will then go through a certification process with EASA and other significant bodies before the first aircraft is delivered to MEA. American Airlines also expects to take its first A321XLRs in 2023, followed by Frontier in 2024 and United Airlines in 2025.

Friday, 12 November 2021

Airbus Updates No.3636

The World’s Most Flown Airbus A320s

The original Airbus A320 is an immensely popular single-aisle short-haul jetliner. Having entered service in April 1988 with Air France, thousands of examples remain active today, even since the new A320neo version hit the market. But, of the original A320s that are still flying, which examples have accumulated the most flight hours? Let’s find out!

According to ch-aviation.com, there are more than 4,000 active examples of the original A320-200 still flying today. These are spread across almost 250 operators. Meanwhile, none of the 21 examples of its counterpart, the A320-100, remain active today. Last year, Simple Flying explored where the world’s oldest A320s were, but what about the most active?

Air Canada

As it turns out, North America is the place to go for highly-used A320-200s. The busiest of these belongs to Air Canada, and bears the registration C-FKPT. Sporting 146 seats, this 29.6-year-old narrowbody had accrued an incredible 90,009 flight hours across nearly three decades of flying as of July this year. It has been with Air Canada its entire career.

Air Canada also operates the sixth-most highly-used active A320-200 left in the world today. Registered as C-FNVV, this example had amassed 86,884 hours by July this year. The 28.8-year-old jet had flown 33,144 cycles, with an average length of two hours and 37 minutes. This also translates to an average of eight hours and 20 minutes of use a day.

Delta Air Lines

The remainder of the top 50 most-used active Airbus A320-200s belong to two US legacy carriers, namely Delta and United. Of these, the former has the highest-ranking examples, with N309US and N312US coming second and third respectively. N309US is 31.3 years old, and had accrued 89,638 hours across 41,045 cycles as of July 2021.

N312US wasn’t far behind at the time of the last measurement, when it clocked in at 89,106 hours. The 30.9-year-old twinjet had accrued these over 40,772 cycles, with an average length of two hours and 11 minutes. Its average daily usage was seven hours and 58 minutes. The A320-200 is Delta’s second oldest design on average, clocking in at 25.9 years.

United Airlines

Rounding out the rest of the top five most-used Airbus A320-200s is United Airlines, which flies the aircraft that rank both fourth and fifth. The busiest of these two is fourth-placed N405UA, which is conspicuously younger than the other examples thus far at ‘just’ 28.1 years old. It has accumulated 87,301 flight hours across 33,671 cycles during this time.

Just 40 hours behind this aircraft at the time of the last measurement was N413UA. Aged 27.74 years old, this particular A320-200 had accumulated 87,261 hours across 33,354 cycles, giving an average cycle length of two hours and 37 minutes. Its average daily utilization is also among the highest, clocking in at a busy eight hours and 37 minutes.

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Airbus Updates No.3439

United Airlines orders 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft

Herndon, Virginia, 29 June 2021 - United Airlines has placed an order for 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft, positioning the airline to grow its presence in the single-aisle market in alignment with its “United Next” initiative. The new order complements existing orders from United for 50 A321XLR aircraft, bringing the total commitment from the airline to 120 A321 aircraft.

“Such a significant order from a great airline like United underscores that the A321neo offers unmatched capabilities, operating economics, and passenger friendliness,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “No other aircraft can do what the A321neo can do, and the Airbus team is most gratified by United’s strong affirmation of its premium status. The A321neo will complement United’s future A321XLR aircraft, together creating a privileged segment on its own.”

Another reason the A321neo is in such high demand globally is that the aircraft provides superior environmental performance with the lowest CO₂ emissions per seat in its class. The A321neo’s lower carbon footprint will support United along its journey to reduce the airline’s CO₂ emissions 100% by 2050.

United’s A321neo aircraft will feature Airbus’ Airspace cabin design, which brings the following passenger-pleasing enhancements: unique welcome and customizable hero lighting (which helps reduce jet lag); new slimmer sidewall panels for extra personal space at shoulder level; better views through the windows with their redesigned bezels and completely integrated window shades; the latest full LED lighting technologies; the largest overhead bin in class; and new lavatories with hygienic touchless features and antimicrobial surfaces.

A significant number of the newly-ordered aircraft will be produced at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. Globally, as of the end of May 2021, the A320neo Family had achieved 7,400 firm orders from 121 customers.

Wednesday, 25 March 2020

Airbus Updates No.2578

STORED AIRBUS'S AROUND THE WORLD AT NON BASED LOCATIONS

DONCASTER SHEFFIELD AIRPORT (DSA)

Wizzair UK Airbus A320

G-WUKG - G-WUKD - G-WUKJ - G-WUKF - G-WUKC

Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330

G-VLNM - G-VMNK

BOURNEMOUTH AIRPORT (BOH)

British Airways Airbus A319

G-EUPK - G-DBCD - G-EUPU - G-EUPW

British Airways Airbus A320

G-EUUN - G-EUYJ - G-EUYE - G-EUYD - G-EUYC - G-EUUK - G-EUUJ
G-EUUH - G-EUUD - G-EUUA

British Airways Airbus A321

G-MEDM

Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340

G-VWIN - G-VNAP - G-VFIT

VICTORVILLE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOGISTICS AIRPORT (VCV)

Delta Airlines Airbus A321

N351DN - N357DN - N349DX - N307DX - N347DN - N355DN - N310DN
N362DN - N311DN - N363DN - N364DX -N309DN - N312DN - N366DX

Delta Airlines Airbus A330

N826NW - N830NW

PHOENIX GOODYEAR AIRPORT (GYR)

InterJet Airbus A320

XA-INJ - XA-APO - XA-JRM - XA-ABC

TULSA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TUL)

American Airlines Airbus A319

N4005X - N417AN

ROSWELL INTERNATIONAL AIR CENTER AIRPORT (ROW)

United Airlines Airbus A319

N837UA

NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BNA)

Allegiant Airbus A320

N281NV

Allegiant Airbus A319

N329NV

Monday, 23 March 2020

Airbus Updates No.2576

STORED AIRBUS'S

BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BOH)

British Airways Airbus A319

G-EUPF - G-EUPY - G-EUPD - G-EUPG

British Airways Airbus A320

G-EUUI - G-EUUP

British Airways Airbus A321

G-MEDL - G-EUXJ - G-EUXE - EUXD

ROSWELL INTERNATIONAL AIR CENTER AIRPORT (ROW)

United Airlines Airbus A320

N447UA

United Airlines Airbus A319

N838UA

Wednesday, 4 December 2019

Airbus Updates No.2370

United Airlines orders 50 Airbus A321XLRs for transatlantic route expansion

United Airlines has placed a firm order for 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft as it begins to phase out older models and launches an expansion of transatlantic routes from its key U.S. hubs in Newark/New York and Washington D.C. United plans to take delivery of the first A321XLR in 2024 and expects to begin international service with the aircraft in 2025.

“The new Airbus A321XLR aircraft is an ideal one-for-one replacement for the older, less-efficient aircraft currently operating between some of the most vital cities in our intercontinental network,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “In addition to strengthening our ability to fly more efficiently, the A321XLR opens potential new destinations to further develop our route network and provide customers with more options to travel the globe.”

“We are delighted to be re-United with our friends in Chicago and thank them for their trust. The selection of the A321XLR by the leadership of United Airlines is a ringing endorsement of the range, payload, and fuel efficiency that Airbus incorporated into this state-of-the-art aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “The exceptional versatility and performance of the A321XLR enable new operational efficiencies that flow to the airline’s bottom line.”

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo/A321neo family of aircraft, meeting market requirements for increased range and payload in a single-aisle aircraft, and creating more value for the airlines by enabling economically viable service on longer routes than any comparable aircraft model. It will allow service from the U.S. East Coast to a much larger selection of European destinations.

The A321XLR will deliver an unprecedented narrow-body airliner range of up to 4,700nm, with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared with previous-generation competitor jets. It will have a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 101 metric tonnes, while takeoff, climb, and flight performance will change little from the A321neo.

The A321XLR will be operated by the same crew, powered by the same engines and have the same cabin as the A321neo, with more than 90 percent commonality. Combining the A321neo’s two rear center fuel tanks into one adds fuel capacity and reduces structural weight. Other significant changes include structural reinforcements and modified landing gears for the increased MTOW, increased braking capability, higher tire speed, and additional flap and slat configurations.

With the Airbus Cabin Flex fuselage, the A321XLR will accommodate a variety of seating classes and configurations suitable for longer flights.

At the end of October 2019, the A320neo Family had accumulated more than 7,000 firm orders from over 110 customers worldwide.

Monday, 23 April 2018

Airbus Updates No.1817

United inks deal for 20 used A319s

20APR2018

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) has signed an agreement to purchase twenty additional second-hand A319-100s to cover for short-term fleet needs, the carrier said during the first quarter earnings call on April 17, 2018.

"We recently secured a deal for 20 Airbus A319 aircraft scheduled to be delivered to us in 2020 and 2021. Used aircraft provide us an enhanced opportunity to maximize returns regardless of where we’re in the economic cycle. And we’re in discussions for more used widebody and narrowbody aircraft," Chief Financial Officer Andrew Levy said.

President Scott Kirby added that the units are "midlife aircraft" but refused to disclose who is the source of the A319s. Reportedly, at least some of the aircraft will be ex-easyJet stock.

The American carrier currently operates sixty-seven A319s, including eleven recently added ex-China Southern Airlines units. It also expects the delivery of a further fourteen second-hand aircraft from the Chinese carrier shortly. The carrier's fleet also includes ninety-nine larger A320s.

Friday, 3 November 2017

Airbus Updates No.1697

United set to acquire up to forty used A320 Family jets

02NOV2017

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) is planning to acquire up to forty second-hand A320 Family jets Bloomberg has reported quoting an internal company memo to pilots.

According to the report, the carrier is looking at "thirty to forty" A319 and A320 jets with a deal said to be imminent. However, the final agreement could be for fewer.

Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that aircraft operated by easyJet (U2, London Luton) could be a potential source adding that most of the aircraft to be acquired would be A319s.

United currently operates sixty-six A319-100s and ninety-eight A320-200s. Currently United is already in the process of adding up to 25 ex-China Southern Airlines (CZ, Guangzhou) A319-100s on dry-lease from AerCap.

Thursday, 7 September 2017

Airbus Updates No.1659

ANALYSIS: United Converts A350-1000 Order to A350-900

UNITED

September 06

08:112017

Print This Article

by Zvonimir Tolj 0 Comments

CHICAGO — United Airlines has expanded and modified its order for Airbus A350 jets, converting an order for 35 Airbus A350-1000s to 45 A350-900 widebodies. The conversion ends months of speculation about the future of United’s A350 order after multiple deferrals of delivery and commentary from company executives about potentially converting the order to other Airbus widebody variants or even canceling the order outright.

“For the past year, United has done a complete review to ensure that we have the right long-term fleet strategy, and it was clear that the A350 aligns with our replacement needs and our network,” said Andrew Levy (CFO of United), “The combination of the range performance and efficiencies make the A350 an attractive aircraft for United.”

“This updated and expanded order is a strong reaffirmation of the A350 XWB Family,” added John Leahy (COO-Customers for Airbus), “United and Airbus have had a long and strong partnership for many years, and we’ve worked together to ensure their requirements for the future are met, if not exceeded. The airline’s decision to grow its widebody fleet with, for the first time, a widebody model from Airbus, shows they know that the A350 will meet their financial and performance demands while pleasing their customers who will enjoy the quietest and most comfortable cabin in its class.”

United’s original A350 purchase consisted of 25 A350-900s. The order was placed in March 2010, before United’s merger with Continental Airlines later that year. In June of 2013, United converted the order over to the A350-1000 and added ten frames to the buy, landing on the current order for 35 A350-1000s.

The A350-1000s were intended to replace United’s aging fleet of Boeing 747-400 jets, which were incredibly inefficient in an era of high fuel prices and faced rising maintenance costs. The 35 jets would replace the ~25 747-400s in United’s fleet with some growth layered on top. But when the bottom dropped out from the oil market in June 2014, conditions changed.

Ironically, the advent of the A350-1000 and Boeing’s own 777X left the 777-300ER variant as a bit of a lame duck. With Boeing desperate to fill the production gap from the 777 Classic to the 777X, it began to offer very attractive pricing on the 777-300ER. And with fuel prices down, United felt comfortable accelerating the retirement of the 747s by ordering ten 777-300ERs at end-of-line prices in April of 2015.

Over the last two years, United incrementally added to its 777-300ER order, growing to a present fleet of 14 frames with four more on order. Between the 777-300ER and (in some cases from San Francisco) the 787-9, United has effectively pushed all of its 747-400s out of the door (all 13 remaining frames will be retired by year’s end). Along the way, United deferred delivery of its A350-1000s on multiple occasions (most recently in July).

It now appears that the July deferral was merely intended to position United for A350-900 delivery slots (as opposed to earlier A350-1000s). And while the A350-1000’s raison d’etre for a place in United’s fleet is up in the air, the A350-900 is a clear fit. Because of United’s hubs in major metro areas, it is subject to much more competition on its international flying than peer carriers like American or Delta. Accordingly, United needs the lowest possible unit costs on many sectors, a goal that is less well supported by the 787-9 (which is the world’s most efficient “long and thin” plane). The 787-10 does offer similar (better sans what was likely a massive Airbus discount) unit costs but lacks the range capabilities for flights to Asia and the Middle East of the A350-900.

For Airbus meanwhile, the order is a massive win, as it saves close to 4% of the company’s outstanding backlog on the A350. An outright cancellation by United would have been one of the biggest financial blows to Airbus since the global financial crisis (as Airbus has spent most of that time with record order figures and backlog). But in what is likely one of his final sales, Leahy and his team at Airbus managed to pull another customer back from the brink.

0Save

ABOUT AUTHOR

SCROLL BACK TO TOP MORE ARTICLES FROM AUTHOR

ZVONIMIR TOLJ

Online Editor. Journalism and Communications Student. A newcomer into the Aviation World, growing into an avid AvGeek. I live for Pop Music, Photography, Travel, Food, and devoted to Fashion, and Editorial Design. "It's hard to find a balance between sound and peace." zvonimir@airwaysmag.com