As part of its “United Next” campaign, United Airlines (United) has placed a combine order for 270 Boeing and Airbus jets comprising 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, 150 737 Max 10s, and 70 Airbus A321neos. Currently, United has over 500 new jets on order and anticipates delivery of 40 in 2022, 138 in 2023, and up to 350 in 2024. In addition, the North American carrier will be upgrading the interior of its entire mainline, narrow-body fleet with its new signature interior look, which will also increase premium seat capacity. By 2026, United plans to have an average of 53 premium seats available on North American flights, up 75% from 2019 premium seat numbers.
According to the carrier, the new aircraft will incorporate the new signature interior that includes seat-back entertainment in every seat, larger overhead bins for carry-on bags, and the industry’s fastest-available in-flight Wi-Fi, as well as a bright look and feel through LED lighting. “Our United Next vision will revolutionize the experience of flying United as we accelerate our business to meet a resurgence in air travel,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “By adding and upgrading this many aircraft so quickly with our new signature interiors, we’ll combine friendly, helpful service with the best experience in the sky, all across our premier global network. At the same time, this move underscores the critical role United plays in fueling the broader U.S. economy – we expect the addition of these new aircraft will have a significant economic impact on the communities we serve in terms of job creation, traveler spending and commerce.”
With the addition of these new aircraft, many of which will be used to replace older, smaller mainline jets and at least 200 single-class regional jets, United also aims to create a further 25,000 unionized jobs.
