United orders 25 787s, A350s
Published 7:07 am Tuesday, December 8, 2009
United Airlines has placed orders for 25 Boeing Co. 787s and 25 Airbus A350 jets, the airline said Tuesday.
This marks the first time in the airline’s history that it has ordered widebody jets from Airbus. It’s also the first new order for United since 1998. And the airline hasn’t taken delivery of a new aircraft since 2002.
“This aircraft order is another significant step on the path to position United for long-term success in a highly competitive global market,” said Glenn Tilton, UAL Corporation chairman, president and CEO.
United also has purchase rights for an additional 50 aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus. The airline expects to take delivery of the aircraft between 2016 and 2019. United will retire its international Boeing 747s and 767s when it receives the new airplanes.
Boeing said in a a statement that it’s working to finalize the deal with United.
“United’s selection of the Boeing 787 continues the 80-year partnership between our two companies,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
This is one of the few new orders that Boeing has received this year for its delayed 787 Dreamliner. After numerous setbacks, the company plans to fly the jet for the first time as early as next week. But delays have cost Boeing 83 cancelations for its fuel-efficient jet this year.
Boeing hopes to deliver the first 787 in the fourth quarter of 2010. Airbus expects to deliver its first A350 in 2013.
“United Airlines is a global icon, and it’s very gratifying that they have chosen the A350 to be a key part of their strategy,” said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders, in a statement.
