Originally Posted by
lhrsfo
Yes, they should switch to the A321 and get it delivered with fewer seats per frame. Then we'd get both wider seats and more legroom.
But UA will act in its own interests, not those of its customers. It clearly has a sweetheart deal with Boeing, only using Airbus to test prices for them. They will always buy Boeing in the new market whether or not the product is superior or at a better price point.
The A321neo is vastly superior aircraft to the MAX10. The cabin is 7" wider, allowing for seats that are 1" wider, but also for higher ceilings and a more open feel. The boarding time for a 737-900/MAX9 is already a major problem, as the plane is just so cramped. But adding another three rows of coach (the stretch from the existing -9/MAX9) will just increase boarding issues while making the existing lack of bathrooms even worse.
Given the additional complexity of the telescoping landing gear, and that the MCAS system is going to have to work even harder to prevent this thing flying like a brick, I think there are some real risks in the MAX10.
That said, United is not interested in passenger comfort, and will go with fleet commonality over all, since its basic approach to its domestic fleet is ULCC.
But were I Boeing, I would be concerned about how the MAX10 is going to work out longer term... They better be 2000% sure there are no issues with the landing gear....
Originally Posted by
Kacee
Yeah we don't even need to talk about safety to reach this conclusion from the passenger's perspective. The 321 is a better aircraft for passenger comfort due to the wider cabin.
+1
Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
I suspect that delivery date is an extremely important consideration. At the moment, we don't know how long it will take Boeing to "fix" the MAX and begin deliveries again. (So far production seems to be continuing.) Unless UA can get an Airbus option to get some new aircraft fairly quickly, for now it seems better to stick with Boeing.
United is an important enough customer for Airbus to pick off that they would come up with some slots. There is a surprising amount of flexibility for the right customer. However, Airbus is not going to give United the same ulta-cheapo price that Boeing gave UA and prized slots.