United Airlines announced on Tuesday an order for 110 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus for delivery beginning in 2028 as it seeks to expand its international network.
It has also secured new options for up to 50 more 787s and purchase rights for an additional 40 A321neo aircraft at the end of the decade. United chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella said the company expects a disproportionate part of its growth in the second half of this decade to come from global long-haul flying.
“United‘s unprecedented commitment to the 787 Dreamliner family is a testament to the market-leading operating economics and reliability of Boeing’s widebody jets,” said Stan Deal, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Nocella called the situation “a bit frustrating” as the planes ordered by the company are “significantly” behind schedule.