United Places Major Order For B787, A350 XWB Aircraft

  Tue, 08 Dec '09

Company Awards 25 Firm Orders Each To Airbus and Boeing

United Airlines appears to be pulling out the stops with the announcement Tuesday of a significant investment in the company's future. The company placed widebody aircraft orders for 50 aircraft of designs that have not yet flown. United has ordered 25 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and has future purchase rights for 50 of each aircraft. United says it's plans will enable the legacy carrier to reduce operating costs and better match aircraft to key markets it serves. The new technology aircraft will also reduce fuel burn and environmental impact, while enabling service to more international destinations.

The aircraft order follows a rigorous, six-month request for proposal process, which resulted in agreements with both manufacturers, enabling the company to meet its financial and operational objectives and respond to changes in future market conditions. The breadth in size and capabilities of the different aircraft models ensure the company has the right aircraft for the right market throughout the fleet replacement cycle.

"Over the last few years we have made fundamental improvements in United's performance, delivering excellent cost control while improving the quality and reliability of our product. This aircraft order is another significant step on the path to position United for long-term success in a highly competitive global market," said Glenn Tilton, UAL Corporation chairman, president and CEO. "I would like to thank our team for making this order a reality in a manner that is consistent with our disciplined financial strategy. We are investing in our future, and we are well positioned to take full advantage as the economy recovers in the shorter term."

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