In what could be the biggest-ever purchase of long-haul aircraft, United Airlines seems to be closing in on a significant order to replenish its widebody fleet, with a potentially big announcement expected by December. The airline is planning to order over 100 aircraft and has been looking into several widebody aircraft models, specifically the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787.

United Airlines refreshes its widebody fleet

Reporting by Bloomberg suggests the approach of a potentially massive order. If confirmed, this would come around a year after the Chicago-based carrier logged an equally significant order for 270 narrowbody aircraft. United Airlines' widebody fleet could do with some newer generation aircraft, given that the majority are well above 15 years old.

United Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing widebody fleet, including 53 Boeing 767s. The airline houses the -300ER and -400ER variants; these aircraft average 25 years old. United Airlines also houses 96 Boeing 777s, with the -200ER and -300ER variants, averaging 18 years of age. A new order would likely replace these aircraft, particularly the Boeing 767s.

Also in the airline's widebody fleet are 64 much younger Boeing 787s, with United Airlines housing all three variants. The new-generation aircraft currently average 5.5 years of age, so it is unlikely these will be replaced. If anything, the new order might add to these numbers should United Airlines choose to go forward with purchasing more of the aircraft type.

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Airbus A350 vs. Boeing 787

Undeniably, both the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are respectably good aircraft with their unique benefits and technicalities. But which aircraft would be a more suitable fit for United Airlines?

Airbus A350

The Airbus A350 has become a hot long-haul favorite for several airlines worldwide, for clear reasons, given that its range tops that of the Boeing 787. Given the airline's international network, adding the Airbus A350 to its fleet would allow United Airlines to offer adequate diversification. And ordering over 100 of the aircraft type would ensure that its widebody fleet is flying with maximum efficiency.

But, as noted, United Airlines presently has an all-Boeing widebody fleet, so adding the Airbus A350 into the mix might be an odd move for the airline. Pilot re-training, a new line of maintenance, and crew rostering would all prove tricky for the airline. And if not for United Airlines repeatedly pushing back the delivery of its 2010-order for 45 Airbus A350-900s, the Airbus long-haul aircraft would have already long been introduced into the airline's fleet.

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Boeing 787

Ordering more Boeing 787s would mean that United Airlines will be throwing all its eggs into a single basket, though it might not be such a bad strategy. With more than 60 of the aircraft type in its fleet, United Airlines will eventually exclusively fly the Boeing 787 on its long-haul routes while saving finances on training, crew rostering, and maintenance. For frugality, this is the most efficient choice for the airline.

However, as United Airlines is keenly focused on its international operations, range ultimately becomes an issue for the Boeing 787. Although Boeing is working on increasing the range of the aircraft, this would require time, and the Star Alliance member airline might not wish to wait that long for its fleet renewal.

Keeping an eye out for the Boeing 777X

Albeit United Airlines is split between the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787, there could be another aircraft type on the airline's list - the highly-anticipated and much-delayed Boeing 777X. The aircraft has been marketed as the most efficient widebody aircraft when its capacity is maximized, making it a speculated money-making workhorse.

The Boeing 777X would be an excellent replacement for the airline's Boeing 767s and 777s, except that United Airlines has never placed an order for the aircraft type or hinted any interest. Another major problem with the Boeing 777X as an option for United Airlines is the prolonged production and 2025 being the earliest possible delivery date for the type.

Bottom line

United Airlines could go either way; adding Airbus to its widebody fleet or sticking to operating an all-Boeing widebody fleet, though the most likely option is probably the latter. If United Airlines chooses to keep it all-Boeing for the long-haul fleet, it could add more Boeing 787s to replace the much older Boeing 767s and still adequately cover its current operations. Then, the airline might wait until the Boeing 777X finishes production or wait on the extended range of the Boeing 787s before ordering the aircraft type to replace its aging Boeing 777s.

Which aircraft type will United Airlines choose to refresh its long-haul fleet? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: Bloomberg

• 

  United Airlines

  Region:

  North America

  Loyalty Program:

  MileagePlus

• 

  Airbus

  Stock Code:

  AIR

  Date Founded:

  1970-12-18

  CEO:

  Guillaume Faury

  Headquarters Location:

  Toulouse, France

  Key Product Lines:

  Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, Airbus A380

  Business Type:

  Planemaker

• 

  Boeing

  Stock Code:

  BA

  Date Founded:

  1916-07-15

  CEO:

  Dave Calhoun

  Headquarters Location:

  Chicago, USA

  Key Product Lines:

  Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

  Business Type:

  Planemaker