Dec 3, 2019, 5:26 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
United Airlines Sets a Course for the Future With Order of 50 Airbus A321XLR Aircraft
New aircraft will improve operational efficiency, elevate the inflight travel experience and reduce environmental impact
Airline expects to operate new aircraft on transatlantic routes out of its East Coast hubs in 2024
Photos(1)
CHICAGO, Dec. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced an order to purchase 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, enabling the carrier to begin replacing and retiring its existing fleet of Boeing 757-200 aircraft and further meet the airline's operational needs by pairing the optimal aircraft with select transatlantic routes. The state-of-the-art aircraft, which United expects to introduce into international service in 2024, will also allow United to explore serving additional destinations in Europe from its East Coast hubs in Newark/New York and Washington.
"The new Airbus A321XLR aircraft is an ideal one-for-one replacement for the older, less-efficient aircraft currently operating between some of the most vital cities in our intercontinental network," said Andrew Nocella, United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "In addition to strengthening our ability to fly more efficiently, the A321XLR's range capabilities open potential new destinations to further develop our route network and provide customers with more options to travel the globe."
The next-generation A321XLR offers customers an elevated inflight experience and features modern amenities including LED lighting, larger overhead bin space and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, the new aircraft lowers overall fuel burn per seat by about 30% when compared to previous generation aircraft, enabling United to further minimize its environmental impact as the carrier moves towards its ambitious goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% relative to 2005 levels by 2050.
United plans to begin taking delivery of the Airbus A321XLR in 2024. Additionally, the airline will defer the delivery of its order of Airbus A350s until 2027 to better align with the carrier's operational needs.
New aircraft will improve operational efficiency, elevate the inflight travel experience and reduce environmental impact
Airline expects to operate new aircraft on transatlantic routes out of its East Coast hubs in 2024
Photos(1)
CHICAGO, Dec. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced an order to purchase 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, enabling the carrier to begin replacing and retiring its existing fleet of Boeing 757-200 aircraft and further meet the airline's operational needs by pairing the optimal aircraft with select transatlantic routes. The state-of-the-art aircraft, which United expects to introduce into international service in 2024, will also allow United to explore serving additional destinations in Europe from its East Coast hubs in Newark/New York and Washington.
"The new Airbus A321XLR aircraft is an ideal one-for-one replacement for the older, less-efficient aircraft currently operating between some of the most vital cities in our intercontinental network," said Andrew Nocella, United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "In addition to strengthening our ability to fly more efficiently, the A321XLR's range capabilities open potential new destinations to further develop our route network and provide customers with more options to travel the globe."
The next-generation A321XLR offers customers an elevated inflight experience and features modern amenities including LED lighting, larger overhead bin space and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, the new aircraft lowers overall fuel burn per seat by about 30% when compared to previous generation aircraft, enabling United to further minimize its environmental impact as the carrier moves towards its ambitious goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% relative to 2005 levels by 2050.
United plans to begin taking delivery of the Airbus A321XLR in 2024. Additionally, the airline will defer the delivery of its order of Airbus A350s until 2027 to better align with the carrier's operational needs.
United to order 50 Airbus A321XLR (for 2024) (TATL w/Polaris seats)
Dec 3, 2019 | 7:56 pm
#31
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Dec 3, 2019 | 8:05 pm
#33
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I'm very happy about this one. Indeed, I don't want to see any more orders of new Boeing designs until it is conclusively demonstrated that the problems with the MAX are fixed. The problems with the MAX demonstrated a problem with the corporate and safety culture at Boeing.
Dec 3, 2019 | 8:06 pm
#34
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Id argue that the B787, particularly the B789, has had a great impact. I suspect, despite its rocky start, the B787 has performed better than anticipated.
Dec 3, 2019 | 8:16 pm
#35
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Dec 3, 2019 | 8:44 pm
#36
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Despite being a the most loyal Boeing US legacy carrier customer, clearly they could not wait any longer to replace their aging trans-Atlantic 757 fleet. I'm sure Airbus came in with a great deal to land United (assume that's why pmUA went with the aging A320/A319s - a great deal and right fit for the time).
This MAX fiasco is one big black hole. Just another wake-up call that Boeing needs a complete shake up.
This MAX fiasco is one big black hole. Just another wake-up call that Boeing needs a complete shake up.
Dec 3, 2019 | 8:57 pm
#37
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I hope they outfit them in a way that make them at least tolerable in terms of passenger comfort.
More than anything I am surprised there are not more posts in this thread.
More than anything I am surprised there are not more posts in this thread.
Dec 3, 2019 | 8:58 pm
#38
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Let me guess, row 1 bins will still be used for equipment and not available to premium cabin passengers like on the current Airbus's.
Dec 3, 2019 | 10:00 pm
#40
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I'm very happy about this one. Indeed, I don't want to see any more orders of new Boeing designs until it is conclusively demonstrated that the problems with the MAX are fixed. The problems with the MAX demonstrated a problem with the corporate and safety culture at Boeing.
Dec 3, 2019 | 10:03 pm
#41
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Dec 3, 2019 | 10:05 pm
#42
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The GEnx powered 789 has ended up with better range than the A359. QF flies it on Australia-LHR, and UA (albeit briefly) flew the 789 on LAX-SIN while SQ had to wait for the A350-ULR.
Aside from SQs ULR routes I havent seen anything ground breaking on the 350. But the Dreamliner has enabled ultra long haul for many airlines and even low cost long haul with Norwegian (who against the odds and with a new CEO now look as though theyre going to survive).
Dec 3, 2019 | 10:07 pm
#43
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I would assume that the Y seat width will be 18". It seems to be the standard width for the A320neo family. Certainly better than the 737.
Dec 3, 2019 | 11:57 pm
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