Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
The shortage of aircraft (due to MAX situation) and peak summer travel demands, probably deferring painting as it is mostly a cosmetic issue (some increase in fuel usage but for that level of peeling, pretty minor).
As others have noted, this has been a problem in United for some time. I’m guessing whoever is UA’s painting subcontractor is paid to do the job as quickly and as cheaply as possible. Hence the Earl Scheib look.