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United Airlines CEO Weighs New Widebody Aircraft Order

September 14, 2025By ePlane AI

United Airlines

Widebody Aircraft Orders

Airbus A350

United Airlines CEO Considers New Widebody Aircraft Order Amid Industry Shifts

Reevaluation of Airbus A350 Order and Fleet Strategy

United Airlines is undertaking a comprehensive reassessment of its longstanding Airbus A350 order as part of a broader effort to modernize its fleet. CEO Scott Kirby has indicated that while deliveries of the Airbus A350-900 have been deferred until 2030 and beyond, a definitive decision on replacing the airline’s aging Boeing 777 aircraft is expected by the end of the year. This reconsideration occurs against a backdrop of shifting market dynamics and evolving demand patterns within the global aviation industry.

The airline’s original commitment to the A350 dates back to 2009, when it ordered 25 A350-900s. This order was subsequently modified in 2013 to 35 A350-1000s and then again in 2017 to 45 A350-900s. Despite multiple postponements, the order remains active, with deliveries now scheduled well into the next decade. Industry analysts have speculated that United might ultimately cancel the order, particularly as the carrier has expanded its investment in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with over 140 units still outstanding. Nevertheless, Kirby recently affirmed that the A350 remains under consideration, highlighting the potential benefits of the aircraft amid changing economic conditions.

Market Conditions and Operational Considerations

Recent data from July 2025 reveals a slowdown in widebody aircraft deliveries, with Airbus and Boeing each delivering only eight units—a decline from previous months. This trend may indicate a softening in demand or early signs of market saturation, even as United anticipates a resurgence in travel. Kirby remains optimistic, citing robust booking trends and emphasizing the necessity of fleet modernization to maintain competitive advantage.

United’s decision-making is further influenced by its existing Rolls-Royce engine contract, signed eight years ago. Initially viewed as disadvantageous, the contract has gained renewed appeal due to inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges, and increased travel demand. Industry insiders suggest that the contract could substantially enhance the operating economics of the A350, to the extent that Rolls-Royce may be hesitant to adhere strictly to the original terms.

The airline is approaching a critical juncture as it phases out its Boeing 757 and 767 fleets. Replacing these aircraft will require pilot retraining regardless of the new aircraft type selected. Kirby has noted that if retraining costs are unavoidable, proceeding with the A350 order could be a logical step rather than further deferrals. By the end of the decade, United expects to have fully retired its 767 fleet, marking a natural point to finalize decisions on the Airbus order. Currently, United has firm commitments for 50 Airbus A321XLRs to replace its 757s, leaving the 767 and 777-200 families as the next significant widebody segments requiring renewal.

Competitive and Political Context

The competitive environment in the airline industry is intensifying. WestJet recently placed a record order for seven Boeing 787-9s, while United Nigeria Airlines is expanding its fleet with former Southwest Boeing 737-800s. These developments illustrate how carriers are strategically augmenting their fleets to capture market share amid evolving demand.

In parallel with fleet considerations, Kirby has intensified his critique of what he describes as a “trade deficit” in international long-haul aviation. He points out that foreign carriers operate two-thirds of international long-haul seats to and from the United States, despite U.S. citizens comprising 60 percent of the passenger base. Kirby attributes this imbalance to government subsidies and strategic mandates supporting foreign airlines, contrasting this with comparatively limited support for U.S. carriers. His stance resonates with political narratives in Washington, although it is notable that the U.S. airline industry has also benefited from substantial federal assistance, including over $100 billion in grants and loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As United Airlines deliberates its next widebody aircraft order, the decision will be shaped by a complex interplay of economic, operational, competitive, and political factors within a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape.

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Cyberattack Disrupts Operations at Major European Airports

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Shield AI Unveils Reconnaissance Module for Drones Supporting Ukraine

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United Airlines Boeing 757 Diverts Twice in Two Days Due to Engine Issues

United Airlines Boeing 757 Diverts Twice in Two Days Due to Engine Issues Repeated Engine Problems Force Emergency Landings A United Airlines Boeing 757-200 has been grounded in Shannon, Ireland, following two separate engine malfunctions that necessitated emergency diversions within a span of just two days. The aircraft, registered as N17133 and powered by twin Rolls-Royce RB211 turbofan engines, first encountered difficulties on September 17 while operating flight UA-711 from Dublin to Washington Dulles. Shortly after reaching its cruising altitude of 36,000 feet, the flight crew reported an unspecified engine issue, prompting an immediate return to Dublin. Passengers were subsequently rebooked on alternative flights as maintenance teams addressed the problem. Two days later, on September 19, United Airlines attempted to reposition the same aircraft to Newark without passengers. However, the plane again aborted its journey at cruising altitude, diverting to Shannon after the pilots reported degradation in the left-hand engine. The aircraft has remained in Shannon since, with plans for another positioning flight to Newark reportedly underway. Operational and Legal Implications Amid Industry Scrutiny These consecutive incidents occur amid increased scrutiny of United Airlines’ operational reliability. The airline has recently faced several mechanical setbacks, including a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that returned to its departure airport shortly after takeoff. Such events have heightened concerns among passengers and regulatory bodies, potentially affecting United’s competitive standing as rival carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines seek to attract customers wary of operational disruptions. Legal challenges are also intensifying. Passengers affected by significant delays, such as those on flight UA-711, may be entitled to compensation under the European Union’s EC-261 regulations if their arrival was delayed by three hours or more. United is concurrently contending with lawsuits related to other customer experience issues, including disputes over windowless seats, compounding the airline’s legal and reputational difficulties. The Boeing 757’s Role and Maintenance Challenges Despite its age, the Boeing 757 remains a vital asset for carriers like United and Delta, prized for its performance and efficiency within a single-aisle configuration. Although Boeing ceased production of the 757 in 2004, the aircraft—often referred to as the "Flying Pencil" due to its long, slender design—continues to serve both commercial airlines and the U.S. military in specialized capacities. Of the more than 1,000 units produced, only 55 were the stretched 757-300 variant. The aircraft involved in these recent incidents has maintained a largely uneventful service record until now. Nevertheless, the engine problems highlight the operational challenges associated with maintaining an aging fleet. As United works to resolve these technical issues, the airline faces mounting pressure to reassure both passengers and regulators of its unwavering commitment to safety and reliability.

U.S. Introduces Supersonic Aircraft Aiming to Transform Global Travel

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Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems at Heathrow and Other Airports

Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems at Heathrow and Other Major European Airports A significant cyberattack targeting Collins Aerospace, a principal provider of check-in and boarding systems, severely disrupted operations at several major European airports on the morning of September 20, 2025. The affected airports included Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, where automated systems were rendered inoperable, compelling staff to revert to manual check-in and boarding procedures. This disruption led to widespread delays and cancellations, prompting authorities to advise passengers to verify their flight status with airlines before traveling to the airport. Impact on Airport Operations and Flight Schedules Brussels Airport experienced a substantial impact on its flight schedule, with numerous cancellations and delays reported. The breakdown of automated systems resulted in long queues and crowded terminals as airport personnel managed passenger processing manually. In response, Eurocontrol, the European aviation safety organization, directed airline operators to cancel half of their flights to and from Brussels between 04:00 GMT on Saturday and 02:00 on Monday. Eurocontrol also acknowledged that similar technical issues were affecting Heathrow, Berlin, and Dublin airports, cautioning that additional measures might be necessary to contain the disruption. At Dublin Airport, Terminal 2 was evacuated as a precautionary safety measure, with officials indicating that flight operations could be temporarily affected. The specific cause of the evacuation has not been disclosed, and the airport has yet to provide further details. Throughout Saturday, hundreds of flights across the impacted airports experienced delays, according to data from flight tracking service FlightAware. EasyJet, one of Europe’s largest carriers, stated that it was operating normally and did not anticipate any effects from the cyberattack, as it does not operate flights out of Heathrow. Broader Implications and Industry Vulnerabilities Travel journalist Simon Calder highlighted the complexity and interconnectedness of departure control systems, particularly at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport. He explained that disruptions in one location, such as Brussels or Berlin, can cascade through the network, causing missed connections and logistical challenges involving passengers, aircraft, and crew. Calder warned that such issues often escalate before normal operations can be restored. The incident has intensified concerns regarding the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. Industry analysts emphasize that the aviation sector’s heavy reliance on digital systems exposes it to significant risks from cyberattacks. This vulnerability was underscored last September when a global IT failure, triggered by a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike, grounded flights across the United States. As efforts continue to restore normal operations, passengers are urged to stay informed through official airline and airport communications. The full scope of the disruption and its potential long-term effects on European air travel remain uncertain.

PLA Air Force Demonstrates Capabilities at 2025 Changchun Aviation Open Day

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Egypt and UAE Strengthen Partnership in Civil Aviation

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Why Did British Aerospace Equip the BAe-146 with Four Engines?

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Wichita Balances Aviation Heritage with Future Innovation

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Boeing Projects Growth in Latin American Aviation Over Next 20 Years

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