Delivery of 25th A321neo Latest Step on United’s Path to Largest Fleet

The airline is nearing 1,000 active mainline aircraft.

A United A321neo (Photo: United Airlines)

[ Planes ]December 7, 2024 9:11 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

United received its 25th Airbus A321neo on Friday, registered as N44522. This is the second A321neo to join the carrier’s fleet this week, with N54525 arriving on Monday.

Both aircraft were manufactured at Airbus’ Mobile, Alabama facility before ferrying to Tampa for fleet induction.

According to data from the United Fleet Website, the airline has firm orders for 195 more A321neo and A321XLR aircraft. The Chicago-based carrier welcomed its first A321neo – United’s first new Airbus aircraft in over two decades – in December 2023.

The airline’s A321neo orders include 40 leased aircraft, a deal that was formalized earlier this year.

Economy Class seats on board United’s Airbus A321neo (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Andrew Chen)

World’s Largest Mainline Fleet

Despite continued aircraft delivery delays at both Airbus and Boeing, United is poised to operate a fleet of around 1,000 active mainline aircraft in the coming months.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, the airline has just over 980 aircraft in its active fleet and 21 in storage. The tool marks narrowbody aircraft parked for 60 days and widebodies parked for 90 days as stored.

American has 969 active aircraft in service with 21 in storage. Delta follows with 966 in service and 87 in storage.

United continues to maintain the largest active airline fleet in the world. By the first quarter of 2025, the carrier plans to exceed 1,000 active mainline aircraft, although delivery delays might hamper that goal.

Author
Recent Posts

Follow Ryan

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.

Follow Ryan

Author

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.