CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) has executed definitive agreements with aircraft lessors to acquire 40 Airbus A321neo aircraft, scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.
The airline disclosed this information in its October 16 SEC filing and is flagged by Flight Global.
United Signs Lease A321neo
The lease arrangements, valued at approximately $4 billion, encompass mainline aircraft, regional aircraft under capacity purchase agreements, and various facilities. These agreements activate between 2024 and 2027 and extend up to 12 years.
The airline expands its A321neo fleet amid widespread industry challenges. Airbus and Boeing face significant production delays, with Boeing’s operations particularly impacted by an ongoing machinists’ strike affecting 737, 767, and 777 production lines.
The aviation industry faces additional hurdles as Pratt & Whitney’s mandatory recall of geared-turbofan engines affects approximately 33% of the global A321neo fleet. These engines require extensive inspections and repairs due to potential manufacturing defects.
The newly leased aircraft complements United’s existing order of 115 A321neos from Airbus. The airline anticipates receiving 14 aircraft by the end of the current quarter, followed by 23 deliveries in 2025 and 78 more later this decade.
United Airlines maintains orders for 50 A321XLRs, an extended-range variant of the A321neo. The initial A321XLR delivery is scheduled for January 2026, marking the beginning of the airline’s Boeing 757-200 replacement program.
This month, BOC Aviation revealed that they will lease four planes to United. These included three Boeing 737 MAX 9s and one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
SMBC Aviation Capital has inked lease agreements with United Airlines for 20 Airbus A321neo aircraft. This announcement followed a recent sale and leaseback transaction between the two companies involving 20 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
New Delivery Update
United Airlines expects eight Boeing deliveries in the fourth quarter, comprising three 787s, two 737 Max 8s, and three 737 Max 9s. Boeing’s Charleston plant maintains 787 production due to its non-unionized workforce.
Chicago-based carrier is expecting to take delivery of 11 787 Dreamliners in 2025.
United postpones Boeing 737 MAX 10 deliveries until 2026, despite holding 167 firm orders. The delay stems from necessary engine anti-ice system redesigns awaiting Federal Aviation Administration certification.
Former Boeing CEO David Calhoun projected first-half 2025 certification for both MAX 10 and MAX 7 variants, contingent on no additional complications.
United secured a confidential arrangement with Boeing in April, addressing MAX 10 certification delays. Boeing provides compensation through credit memos applicable to future purchases.
The airline applies these compensation arrangements to reduce costs for existing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and upcoming MAX 9 and MAX 10 deliveries.
Record-Breaking Q3 Results
United Airlines achieved unprecedented passenger volumes in the third quarter of 2024, setting multiple operational records. The airline surpassed previous passenger records during the July 4 and Labor Day holidays.
The carrier reached a new daily record of 552,000 passengers in July, while September established a monthly high with an average of 474,000 daily passengers.
United dominated on-time departure performance at six of its seven U.S. hub locations. The airline extended its leadership streak to 30 consecutive quarters at Chicago O’Hare and maintained a 10-quarter lead at its Denver hub.
The airline strengthened its mainland China market position by resuming the Los Angeles-Shanghai service. United operates the largest mainland China network among U.S. carriers.
Photo By Clément Alloing (@CAlloing) / X
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.