Al Schard
Member
United Airlines has announced its intention to acquire 35 new Airbus A321neo aircraft, set to begin delivery in 2026. This move comes as a substitution for the Boeing 737 Max 10 jets previously included in the airline's fleet expansion plans. The decision aims to stabilize the delivery schedule of approximately 100 narrowbody jets annually between 2025 and 2027. The announcement was made on April 16, coinciding with the release of the airline’s first-quarter financial results.
Headquartered in Chicago, United Airlines stated that the A321neos will be equipped with CFM International Leap-1A engines. However, details regarding the lessors involved and the financial terms of the agreements remain undisclosed.
Scott Kirby, the Chief Executive of United, explained the strategic fleet adjustment, stating, "We’ve adjusted our fleet plan to better reflect the reality of what the manufacturers are able to deliver. And we’ll use those planes to capitalise on an opportunity that only United has, [to] profitably grow our mid-continent hubs and expand our highly profitable international network from our best-in-the-industry coastal hubs."
This development represents a setback for Boeing's Max 10 program, which is currently facing delays in certification, with the timeline extended into 2025. Previously, Kirby had indicated the possibility of integrating A321neos into their fleet as replacements for the Max 10s.
As per data from Cirium fleets, United currently operates seven A321neos and has commitments for another 173 units. The airline also holds orders for nearly 350 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which includes a significant number of Max 10 models.
www.flightglobal.com
Headquartered in Chicago, United Airlines stated that the A321neos will be equipped with CFM International Leap-1A engines. However, details regarding the lessors involved and the financial terms of the agreements remain undisclosed.
Scott Kirby, the Chief Executive of United, explained the strategic fleet adjustment, stating, "We’ve adjusted our fleet plan to better reflect the reality of what the manufacturers are able to deliver. And we’ll use those planes to capitalise on an opportunity that only United has, [to] profitably grow our mid-continent hubs and expand our highly profitable international network from our best-in-the-industry coastal hubs."
This development represents a setback for Boeing's Max 10 program, which is currently facing delays in certification, with the timeline extended into 2025. Previously, Kirby had indicated the possibility of integrating A321neos into their fleet as replacements for the Max 10s.
As per data from Cirium fleets, United currently operates seven A321neos and has commitments for another 173 units. The airline also holds orders for nearly 350 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which includes a significant number of Max 10 models.
United signs for 35 leased A321neos in pivot from Max 10
United Airlines has signed letters of intent with two lessors that will deliver 35 new Airbus A321neos starting in 2026, in a move backfilling the Boeing 737 Max 10s dropped from its fleet plan.
www.flightglobal.com