Boeing and United Airlines today announced the carrier is investing in its future fleet with an order for 100 787 aircraft, with the option to purchase 100 more. The deal is the largest 787 Dreamliner order in Boeing's history. United is also purchasing 100 737 MAX jets, exercising 44 existing options and placing 56 new orders. United expects to take delivery of the new widebody planes between 2024 and 2032 and can choose among the 787-8, 9 or 10 models, providing flexibility to support a wide range of routes.
"United emerged from the pandemic as the world's leading global airline and the flag carrier of the United States," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "This order further solidifies our lead and creates new opportunities for our customers, employees and shareholders by accelerating our plan to connect more people to more places around the globe and deliver the best experience in the sky."
The airline now expects to take delivery of about 700 new narrow and widebody aircraft by the end of 2032, including an average of more than two every week in 2023 and more than three every week in 2024 to replace older Boeing 767 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
"With this investment in its future fleet, the 737 MAX and 787 will help United accelerate its fleet modernization and global growth strategy," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The Boeing team is honoured by United's trust in our family of aircraft to connect people and transport cargo around the world for decades to come."
"This order solves for our current widebody replacement needs in a more fuel-efficient and cost-efficient way, while also giving our customers a best-in-class experience," said Gerry Laderman, United's EVP and Chief Financial Officer. "And if the future of long-haul flying is as bright as we think it will be, United is able to capitalize on those opportunities by exercising these new widebody options - I look forward to the incremental margin and earnings these aircraft will generate."
The 787 Dreamliner provides United with unparalleled efficiency and flexibility across its extensive network of domestic and international flights. The 787 also offers an impressive 25% improvement in fuel use compared with the aircraft it replaces, depending on the configuration.
The 737 MAX family is designed to offer enhanced reliability and improved fuel efficiency in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20% compared to the aircraft it replaces, depending on the configuration.
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