- United Airlines is exercising an option to purchase an additional 50 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neos.
- The airline has already placed firm orders for 120 narrow-body Airbus 321s and 100 Dreamliners.
- Airlines are securing delivery slots as manufacturers struggle with supply chains and delays in launching new aircraft.
A United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles, California on January 9, 2013.
David McNew | Getty Images
United Airlines has ordered 110 additional jetliners from Boeing and Airbus, securing a supply of new aircraft for the next 10 years as strong demand and supply chain challenges create a shortage of new deliveries.
United Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocera told reporters Tuesday that “normally we don’t order jets this far away.” “Production lines are now regularly plagued by supply chain disruptions and delivery delays, with stockouts increasing throughout the decade.” Deliveries of the new machines are expected to begin in 2028.
United’s order consists of 50 more Boeing 787 Dreamliners and options for 50 more, in addition to a firm order for 100 twin-aisle planes announced last December. The carrier is aggressively expanding its international service to capitalize on a resurgence in international travel, destinations served by its new long-haul 787 aircraft.
The Chicago-based airline plans to buy 60 Airbus A321neos, including 50 of the upcoming ultra-long-range version, in addition to the 120 it previously ordered from the European manufacturer. United Airlines has added options for 40 more Airbus A321s.
Airlines such as United Airlines have recently ordered new aircraft, but one way to get around infrastructure constraints is to operate larger aircraft with more seats, a process known as upgauging. It is said that this is a common practice. The airline said it expects to average more than 145 seats per flight departing from North America by 2027, an increase of 40% from 2019.
United Airlines’ new amenity kit
united airlines
The airline’s big order comes as airlines scramble for new, more fuel-efficient aircraft to meet the post-COVID-19 travel boom. Delivery delays have left airlines short on planes, and upgrades aimed at the growing number of travelers looking to splurge on premium seats are behind schedule.
United Airlines on Tuesday announced updates to its Polaris business class bedding and amenity kits that include eye serums and face sprays.