United Airlines has confirmed an order for 110 more aircraft for delivery starting in 2028.
It has converted previous options and purchase rights into firm orders for 50 Boeing 787-9s for delivery between 2028 through 2031, as well as 60 Airbus A321neos for delivery between 2028 and 2030.
The airline has also secured new options for up to 50 more Boeing 787s and purchase rights for an additional 40 A321neo aircraft at the end of the decade.
These new aircraft will continue to reduce United’s per-seat carbon emissions compared to the older models they replace.
This is in line with its target to be net zero by 2050 by reducing greenhouse emissions by 100%, without relying on traditional carbon offsets.
According to Boeing, the 787 Dreamliner contributes up to a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions per seat compared with the airplanes it replaces.
Airbus claims its A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.
United expects that 75% of its fleet will be new-generation by 2030.
“We’re building a bright future at United and this order takes our already successful United Next plan into the next decade and beyond,” said United CEO Scott Kirby.
“Our planning and focus on the long term have helped us surge past other airlines that stood still. I’m convinced our strategy is the right one as we continue to add new, larger aircraft to take full advantage of our growing flying opportunities both internationally and domestically.”
