Air TransportUnited Airlines rethinks Airbus A350 order amid fleet renewal plans
United Airlines is reassessing its long-standing order for Airbus A350 aircraft as part of a broader strategy to renew its widebody fleet.
CEO Scott Kirby said in an interview with journalist Brian Sumers that a decision on the future replacement of Boeing 777 jets is expected by the end of the year, with a final decision on the A350 order likely by the end of 2025.
The carrier initially ordered 25 A350-900s in 2009 and increased the commitment to 45 aircraft in 2017. However, deliveries have been repeatedly postponed, with the current timeline set for 2030 or beyond.
In the interim, United has favored expanding its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, which has become the backbone of its long-haul operations.
Kirby indicated that shifting economic conditions could make the A350 a more viable option for replacing older Boeing 777s. He also noted that United will face pilot retraining costs regardless of the aircraft type ultimately chosen, as transitioning from older models will require updates to crew qualifications.
Decision by the end of the year
The Airbus A350-900 offers improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs compared to the airline’s aging 777 fleet. These factors are considered significant as United seeks to enhance competitiveness on high-demand international routes, where operational costs and aircraft performance directly impact profitability.
United Airlines still has more than 120 widebody jets, including 767s and 777-200s, slated for replacement in the coming years. A commitment to the A350 could signal increased confidence in Airbus’s delivery capabilities and influence the balance between U.S. and European aircraft manufacturers in the global market.
The company is expected to finalize its decision on the widebody fleet renewal strategy by the end of 2025, a move that will shape United’s international network and operational profile over the next decade.
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