United Takes Delivery of First 787 in 20 Months

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.

Boeing 737 MAX 10 EcoDemonstrator wearing United’s SAF special livery. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fangzhong Guo)

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.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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