Chicago-based United Airlines is planning to purchase a multi-brand aircraft fleet amid a recovering commercial air travel market.
According to media reports, the company intends to spend around $30bn to buy around 270 narrowbody jets, typically used as low-cost carriers. This order could include around 200 Boeing 737 Max planes, along with close to 70 Airbus A321 Neo’s. Per reports, the inclusion of the latter is indicative of some uncertainty around the legality of flying Max aircraft since the flight ban has just been lifted and lines over commercial flights on this aircraft are still blurred.
United, being one of the big airlines, will exceed the order of 100 Max units from Southwest once the deal is sealed. It will also play a role in creating optimism in the aerospace market, analysts note. This big order will also cause Boeing to accelerate production schedules. The aircraft manufacturer is also studying a replacement for the 757 – a prior model which was placed above the 737 in the company’s hierarchy.