United Airlines is taking a big step to renew its wide-body fleet with an order for up to 200 Boeing 787s, which will be used to retire its aging 767s and older 777s.
The initial order is for 100 planes, with options for another 100. They’ll be a mix of 787-8, -9 and -10 models, with United deciding which on the fly as the planes are built. United called it the “largest widebody order by a U.S. carrier in commercial aviation history. Delivery is scheduled over the next seven years.
While the first hundred planes represent largely a fleet replacement, the options represent an opportunity for growth if circumstances permit. United’s Andrew Nocella noted that if all the options are taken “more than 80% of our long-haul flying will be on the 787 platform.”
That focus simplifies pilot training and aircraft maintenance, but also raises questions about United’s long-standing order for Airbus A350s, placed in 2010. That order was originally for 35 A350-1000s, but was converted in 2017 to 45 A350-900s. The order is currently on hold until 2030. By then, adding another plane type may make less sense for the airline.
