United Airlines’ long-delayed A350 order cast into doubt by Rolls-Royce dispute

United Airlines has cast fresh uncertainty over its long-standing order for 45 Airbus A350 jets after disclosing a contractual dispute with engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, the sole supplier of engines for the widebody aircraft.

In a regulatory filing, the U.S. carrier said it is in a disagreement with Rolls-Royce related to a long-term engine and maintenance agreement originally signed in 2010, revealed Reuters.

United stated that it paid the British manufacturer $175 million upfront in 2017 and now claims that Rolls-Royce breached the contract in December, prompting the airline to seek repayment of the amount plus additional compensation.

Rolls-Royce has denied breaching the agreement and said it has complied with its contractual obligations. Both sides have indicated that legal proceedings are underway.

United did not provide an updated delivery timeline for the 45 A350s in its latest filing. The aircraft remain listed in its order book with expected arrivals after 2027, but no specific schedule was disclosed. In previous filings, the airline had indicated anticipated deliveries beyond 2026.

The dispute creates added uncertainty because Rolls-Royce exclusively powers the A350 family with its Trent XWB engines. Without a resolution, the airline’s ability to introduce the aircraft into service could be affected.

United first ordered the A350 in 2009, before its merger with Continental Airlines. Over the past 16 years, the commitment has been restructured, deferred and adjusted multiple times. The aircraft has never been positioned as a near-term priority in United’s fleet plan.

Chief Executive Scott Kirby said in September 2025 that a decision regarding the A350 order was expected later that year. The airline has previously linked the order to its long-term widebody replacement strategy, particularly for aging Boeing 767 and 777 aircraft.

Repeated deferrals have fueled speculation that United could ultimately cancel the A350 order or convert it to other Airbus models, such as narrowbody A321neo-family jets, which it has acquired in significant numbers.

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