United Airlines appears to be betting that the current surge in travel, originally fueled by ‘revenge’ or ‘catchup’ travel after pandemic restrictions, will continue into the future. The airline just firmed up orders for 110 new long-haul jets and added options on more.
Tuesday’s orders are split between 50 more 787-9s from Boeing and 60 more A321neos from Airbus. Both orders were actually execution of options the airline took in a record-breaking series of orders placed over the past two years. In addition to the firm orders, United also took new options for another 50 787s and 40 more A321neos which it could execute later. The planes in the new order will be delivered between 2028 and 2031, and will likely mean the retirement of United’s last 757s and 767s.
United President Andrew Nocella told a press conference that “We would not normally order jets this far out, but we have confidence in our outlook,” Nocella said. “Production lines are regularly plagued by supply chain disruptions and delivery delays, and are also increasingly sold out for the entire decade.” He also pointed out the importance of larger but more economical planes as a way around increasing limits on airspace, runways and terminals.
