United Airlines Announces Fleet Update
CHICAGO, March 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today announced an order to purchase 25 new Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The order is in addition to the previously announced order of 40 737-700s. United will take delivery of the aircraft beginning at the end of 2017.
The new 737-700 aircraft will enable United to continue utilizing larger, more efficient aircraft as the airline reduces the size of its 50-seat regional fleet. United expects to have fewer than 100 aircraft in its 50-seat fleet by the end of 2019.
The next-generation 737-700s provide a superior customer experience by featuring cabin enhancements including larger overhead bins that can accommodate additional carry-on bags. The aircraft’s Boeing Sky Interior creates a larger sense of space through sculpted sidewall panels and LED cabin lighting that mimics soft blue skies and sunset colors.
United also announced that the carrier will retire its 747 fleet from scheduled service by the end of 2018. Additionally, the airline announced that it will be converting 787 orders originally anticipated for delivery in 2020 and beyond into four 777-300ERs and five 787-9s beginning in 2017. These conversions will accommodate the accelerated retirement of the 747s while also meeting United’s capacity needs.
“The new 737-700 aircraft are ideal for our fleet as we continue to reduce our reliance on 50-seat aircraft,” said Gerry Laderman, United’s senior vice president of finance and acting chief financial officer. “Retiring the 747 fleet and replacing those aircraft with more customer-pleasing, current generation aircraft creates a more reliable and efficient fleet that provides a better overall experience for our customers traveling on long-haul flights.”
In addition to this announcement, United currently has firm orders for 35 Airbus A350-1000s, 153 aircraft from the Boeing 737 family, 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, and 27 Boeing 787s. The airline also has firm orders for 10 Embraer E175 aircraft that United Express partners will operate.
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 342 airports across six continents. In 2015, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Franci, SCO, and Washington, D.C. United operates more than 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 20 new Boeing aircraft, including 737 NGs, 7,87s and 777s. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 192 countries via 28 member airlines. Approximately 84,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state ain countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter,r or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.
In a significant move to modernize its fleet, United Airlines announced on March 8, 2016, that it had placed an order for 25 new Boeing 737-700 aircraft. This order supplements a prior commitment for 40 737-700s, reflecting United’s strategic efforts to enhance its operational efficiency and customer experience. The delivery of these aircraft is scheduled to commence at the end of 2017.
Fleet Modernization and Efficiency
The addition of the 737-700 aircraft is a crucial component of United’s broader plan to phase out smaller, less efficient aircraft. Specifically, United aims to reduce its fleet of 50-seat regional jets, anticipating a fleet size of fewer than 100 such aircraft by the end of 2019. This transition aligns with the airline’s goal to operate larger, more cost-effective planes, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Enhanced Customer Experience
The next-generation Boeing 737-700s promise a superior travel experience for passengers. These aircraft feature a number of cabin enhancements designed to improve comfort and convenience. Notably, the planes are equipped with larger overhead bins capable of accommodating more carry-on luggage, addressing a common concern among travelers. Additionally, the Boeing Sky Interior creates an airy, spacious feel with sculpted sidewall panels and LED lighting that can simulate various natural lighting conditions, such as soft blue skies and sunset hues. These improvements are expected to significantly enhance passenger satisfaction during flights.
Retirement of the 747 Fleet
In a parallel development, United announced the planned retirement of its iconic 747 fleet by the end of 2018. The 747, often referred to as the “Queen of the Skies,” has been a mainstay of long-haul air travel for decades. However, its retirement is part of United’s strategy to replace aging aircraft with newer, more efficient models. The airline will be converting orders for Boeing 787s originally expected for delivery in 2020 and beyond into four 777-300ERs and five 787-9s, beginning in 2017. These new aircraft will not only help to cover the capacity gap left by the retiring 747s but also align with United’s focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Strategic Fleet Orders
United’s fleet
