United Airlines is set to purchase 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft as it looks to replace and retire its existing fleet of Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
United expects to introduce the aircraft into international service in 2024, allowing the airline to explore serving additional destinations in Europe from its East Coast hubs in Newark/New York and Washington.
Andrew Nocella, United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said: "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.
"In addition to strengthening our ability to fly more efficiently, the A321XLR's range capabilities open potential new destinations to further develop our route network and provide customers with more options to travel the globe."
United plans to begin taking delivery of the Airbus A321XLR in 2024.
Additionally, the airline will defer the delivery of its order of Airbus A350s until 2027 to better align with the carrier's operational needs.
United was said to be considering adding Boeing's yet to be launched new mid-market-aircraft, however, industry sources say its decision to take the A321XLR is a major blow to Boeing's plans.