United is reportedly planning to secure over 36 Airbus A321neo aircraft through lessors. As first reported by Bloomberg with information from sources familiar with the transaction, the new deal could have United shifting its fleet focus away from predominantly Boeing to a larger mixed fleet with Airbus aircraft.
These reports complement the already strong order book the Chicago-based carrier has with Airbus. The major carrier has 130 A321neos on order, which are currently being delivered. United’s CEO Scott Kirby has publicly stated the carrier is looking for options to build the future fleet without 737 MAX 10 jets. The airline currently has 277 of the 737 MAX 10 on order with options for 200 more.
At the moment, it is unclear what the carrier will do with these slots, but they could be switched to other variants of the MAX such as the MAX 8 and MAX 9.
Kirby had previously flown to Toulouse, France earlier this year to meet with Airbus leadership. This was rumored to be over an order for additional A321neo aircraft. To increase United’s buy-in, the manufacturer went to other customers offering buybacks for A321neo delivery slots to offer to United.
Outside Implications
With delays in delivery from Boeing, United has had to look into new options to continue the implementation of its United Next plan. The carrier is focused on offering an enhanced customer experience, which has a foundation of adding 800 new aircraft to the fleet by 2032.
There are implications outside of the direct limitation in deliveries. The carrier has announced a scaled-back approach to pilot hiring, citing delivery delays and putting a pause on new hire classes in May and June. Initially set to receive 80 Boeing 737 MAX jets this year, the carrier is now anticipating 21 less than the initial plan.
