CALIFORNIA— United Airlines (UA) has stored the world’s first-delivered Boeing 777-200 after more than 3 decades of continuous service. The aircraft, registered N777UA, marked the end of its operational life with a short flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Victorville’s Southern California Logistics Airport (VCV).
The milestone reflects a significant fleet transition for United Airlines, which introduced the aircraft in 1995 and relied on it heavily during its early long-haul expansion. The jet’s withdrawal comes amid supply chain constraints affecting Pratt & Whitney PW4000-series engines.
United Boeing 777 Sent to Storage
United was the global launch customer for the Boeing 777, and N777UA played a central role in shaping its long-haul network.
Over the years, the aircraft shifted from international deployments to high-density domestic service, operating transcontinental routes and select short-haul international flights.
Configured to carry 364 passengers across three classes, the 777-200 offered capacity and flexibility during peak travel periods. The airline gradually transitioned the aircraft to domestic use as newer widebody types entered the fleet.
According to operational data, N777UA completed its first test flight in April 1995 and was delivered the following month. Throughout its career, it wore multiple United liveries, from Battleship Gray to the current refreshed design.
Final Flights and Storage
In its final week, N777UA operated several major trunk routes, including flights between Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Washington Dulles (IAD), and San Francisco (SFO). It also performed a single international rotation to Cancun (CUN).
The aircraft’s last passenger service occurred on November 28, 2025, when it flew from Washington Dulles to San Francisco. The following morning, it departed SFO at 11:05 for Victorville, landing 48 minutes later in the Mojave Desert.
The aircraft has now been listed as “withdrawn from use,” though United has not confirmed full retirement, reported Simple Flying.
Aviation sources note that storage is linked primarily to limited PW4000 engine support, as Pratt & Whitney no longer produces components at previous volumes.
United’s Widebody Plans
United currently operates one of the world’s largest fleets, with over 1,000 active aircraft, including a significant number of widebodies. The airline plans several long-term fleet adjustments as part of its modernization strategy.
New Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft will gradually replace older 767s and domestic 777-200s. The carrier also holds orders for 45 Airbus A350-900s, expected to enter service in the next decade to replace international 777-200ER operations.
Retirements and storage decisions across the older 777 fleet are partly driven by supply chain difficulties and by increasing maintenance challenges associated with aging PW4000 engines.
Bottom Line
United Airlines’ first Boeing 777-200 has officially entered storage after 30 years of service, closing a significant chapter in the airline’s fleet history.
While not declared fully retired, the aircraft’s withdrawal highlights broader supply chain issues affecting the PW4000 engine and signals the continued modernization of United’s widebody operations.
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