Aviation360 MEA

United Airlines, a major US carrier, has made a substantial order for an additional 50 Boeing 787 airliners from the aircraft manufacturer headquartered in Seattle.

This agreement will elevate the airline to the status of the world’s largest operator of the 787 Dreamliner, as it increases the total number of these aircraft ordered by United Airlines to 150.

The order specifically pertains to the mid-size Boeing 787-9 variant, capable of accommodating up to 296 passengers and possessing an impressive range of 7,565 nautical miles.

Scott Kirby, the CEO of United, expressed, “We are forging a promising future at United, and this order extends our already successful United Next initiative into the next decade and beyond. Our strategic planning and forward-thinking approach have enabled us to surpass other airlines that remained stagnant. I am confident that our strategy is the right one, as we continue to integrate new, larger aircraft to fully capitalize on our expanding flight opportunities, both on international and domestic routes.”

Notably, United Airlines also holds the distinction of being the first airline to operate all three variants of the 787 Dreamliner: the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10.

Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, remarked, “United’s unparalleled commitment to the 787 Dreamliner family underscores the market-leading operational efficiency and reliability of Boeing’s widebody airplanes. With the 787, United will reap the benefits of operating one of the most extensive and efficient fleets in the aviation industry.”