Could United grab Iranian aircraft orders?
 

Below are Boeing orders from Iranian airlines. Some were scheduled to be delivered end of this year. Would United have any interest in grabbing some of these? Maybe the 777-300ERs?

I'm sure the low cost airlines would jump at this opportunity. From the WSJ this morning:

"The impact of Trans-Atlantic low-cost carriers on summer travel is startling. Iceland’s Wow now flies to a dozen U.S. cities from Reykjavik, with connections across Europe. Norwegian flies to 15 U.S. cities from airports scattered all over Europe. From the New York area in July, Norwegian will fly nonstop to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Madrid, Oslo, Paris, Rome and Stockholm. Austin, Texas, will have two airlines flying nonstop to London: Norwegian and British Airways."

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...876e0faa8e.png

I don't think UA has a need for 15 more 77W, but it was reported in mid-2017 that United was in discussions for another 4-8 77W frames. That would bring it close to replacing the 747 fleet on a one-for-one basis, even though it's been a combination of 77W and 789 that's mostly replaced the -400s in practice.

It could be interesting, especially if Boeing is willing to offer them at the right price, since 77X production is approaching.

It could be puffing but Boeing is quoted in CNN saying that Iran orders don't factor into their current production plans ..... (Link to Article)

I don't know that UA wants $20 Billion of the identified aircraft. Terminating the 737-700 order in favor of used A319s suggests they're paying more attention to capital expenses & free cash flow. They got on the bandwagon of share buybacks (Dec. '17) because everybody's doing it! (DL, WN, AS, AA)