United took delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner since March 2023 this week. In December 2022, the Chicago-based airline placed a record-setting order for up to 200 787 aircraft.
Its newest Dreamliner is the first in this order, which was touted as the largest single widebody aircraft purchase by a U.S. carrier at the time. The airline has firm orders for 100 787s along with 100 options, including the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 variants.
These aircraft were set for delivery between 2024 and 2032. In the coming years, the 787s are expected to replace United’s aging 767 and 777 aircraft.
Looks like the first 789 of the big UA 787 order will be in SAF special livery pic.twitter.com/9VpbHpJdum
— JonNYC (@xJonNYC) October 1, 2024
Last year, United also announced an order for 50 more Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The airline has 150 787s on firm order from Boeing, along with additional plans to receive Airbus and Boeing narrowbody jets.
Brand-New Jet With a Special Livery
Registered as N24988, United’s latest Dreamliner ferried from Boeing’s facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, to the carrier’s Washington Dulles hub on Tuesday. According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, the airline’s last 787 delivery — a 787-10 with registration N13014 — was on March 23, 2023.
The newest 787-9 also features a special livery called “The Future is SAF,” recognizing the airline’s investments in sustainable aviation fuel. United has a similar livery on a not-yet-delivered Boeing 737 MAX 10, which is still awaiting type certification by the FAA.
Ongoing Boeing delivery delays have prompted United to scale down its fleet outlook. Earlier this year, the airline was expecting to receive seven 787 aircraft in 2024, per FlightGlobal, but further reduced its plan to just three aircraft. Currently, United has 71 Boeing 787s in revenue service.
