United Airlines has announced that it will expand its fleet, acquiring another 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (150 737-10 aircraft and 50 737-8 aircraft) and 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
As a launch customer for 737-10, United placed its first order in 2017 by converting 100 orders of 737-9 aircraft to the larger version, 737-10. The new agreement also includes the purchase of Boeing 737 MAX training simulator data packets to support United pilot training programs.
Designed and built in Renton, Washington, the 737 MAX family offers superior efficiency, flexibility and reliability, while reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by at least 14% compared to the aircraft it replaces. Boeing 737-8 aircraft can carry up to 189 passengers and fly a distance of 3.550 nautical miles - about 600 miles farther than its predecessor - allowing airlines to offer new long-distance routes for passengers.
The largest model in the family, 737-10, is configured with up to 230 seats, with a unique class and can fly a distance of up to 3.300 miles. The aircraft is fuel efficient and can cover 99% of routes that are normally operated by single-aisle aircraft.
United ordered 270 aircraft: 200 x Boeing 737 MAX and 70 x Airbus A321neo.
United Airlines has also placed an order for 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft and thus the airline will be more present on the market for single-aisle flights, in accordance with the "United Next" initiative. The new order complements United's existing orders for 50 A321XLR aircraft, bringing the airline's total commitment to 120 A321 aircraft.
Another reason why the A321neo has such a high global demand is that the aircraft offers superior environmental performance with the lowest CO₂ / seat emissions. The low-carbon footprint of the A321neo will support United in the company's program to reduce CO₂ emissions by 100% by 2050. United's A321neo aircraft will feature the Airspace design of the Airbus cabin, which will bring many improvements for passengers.
The aircraft will have customizable lighting - which will help reduce jet lag, there will be new thinner side panels for extra personal space at the shoulders, it will provide more windows for a better view, the latest lighting technologies with New LEDs and toilets with untouched hygienic features and antimicrobial surfaces.