United Airlines is expanding its orderbook by 270 aircraft with new orders with Boeing and Airbus, under its “United Next” initiative.
United’s 737 order book is swelled by additional 200 737 MAX jets, including 150 for the largest member of the family, the 737-10, and 50 737-8s. The airline has also placed an order for 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The new order complements existing orders from United for 50 A321XLR aircraft, bringing the total commitment from the airline to 120 A321 aircraft.
"Our 'United Next' vision will revolutionize the experience of flying United as we accelerate our business to meet a resurgence in air travel," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "By adding and upgrading this many aircraft so quickly with our new signature interiors, we'll combine friendly, helpful service with the best experience in the sky, all across our premier global network. At the same time, this move underscores the critical role United plays in fueling the broader U.S. economy – we expect the addition of these new aircraft will have a significant economic impact on the communities we serve in terms of job creation, traveler spending and the shipping of goods and services."
United's Boeing 737MAX orderbook totals 380 airplanes, including 30 that have been delivered. As the launch customer for the 737-10, United placed its first order in 2017 by converting 100 737-9 orders to the larger 737-10 variant. The agreement with Boeing also includes the purchase of 737 MAX training simulator data packages to support United's pilot training programs.
"We are truly humbled by United Airlines' confidence in the people of Boeing and the airplanes we design and build every day. Our strong partnership, dating back to United's founding, has helped us grow and weather challenges through the decades. As we look forward to the recovery ahead, we are honored that United has once again chosen the 737 family's performance, efficiency and flexibility to power their growing network. The Boeing team is excited to be building hundreds of these new jets for United and delivering on a landmark agreement that solidifies our future together for the next decades," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
United’s A321neo aircraft, which will feature Airbus’ Airspace cabin design, will mostly be produced at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama.
“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.”