United Airlines announced today that they have placed firm orders for 25 Airbus A350XWBs and 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, in addition to 50 options for 50 additional of each type in the future.
"Hi 767. We just purchased your replacement. How's that feel? Oh, but you'll need to continue serving us well for the next decade. That cool?" (Photo by John Musolino)
These aircraft will replace what will be an aging 747 and 767 fleet between the years of 2016 and 2019.
United had put out a request for proposals this past June from both Boeing and Airbus in what was expected to be “winner-take-all”, but is now split with the two competing aircraft types.
The airline began experiencing financial trouble every since the Dot.com decline, compiled by United aircrafts’ role in the September 11th attacks. They have since filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, cut their routes, killed Ted service, extended their bankruptcy, is confirmed or rumored to have been in [failed] merger talks with airlines like Delta, US Airways and Continental, and also has hooked up with more airlines (BMI, Aer Lingus) than Mae West.
So, one might be surprised to see a large widebody order like this, especially with Continental surely still “vulturing” overhead. United feels their restructuring is near complete and they have laid a foundation that well- positions them for global competition again.
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