United Airlines has added an order to purchase 25 new B737-700 aircraft in addition to the previous order of 40. United will take delivery of the aircraft beginning at the end of 2017. The next-generation 737-700s features larger overhead bins that can accommodate more carry-on bags while the Boeing Sky Interior creates a larger sense of space through sculpted sidewall panels and LED cabin lighting that mimics soft blue skies and sunset colours.
With the new aircraft, it will continue utilising larger, more efficient aircraft as the airline reduces the size of its 50-seat regional fleet. By the end of 2019, the US carrier expects to have less than 100 aircraft in its 50-seat fleet.
It will also retire its 747 fleet by end 2018. It will convert 787 orders originally anticipated for delivery in 2020 and beyond into four 777-300ERs and five 787-9s beginning in 2017 to accommodate the accelerated retirement of the only 747s while also meeting United’s capacity needs.
To date, United has firm orders for 35 Airbus A350-1000s, 153 aircraft from the Boeing 737 family, 10 Boeing 777-300ERs and 27 Boeing 787s. It also has firm orders for 10 Embraer E175 aircraft that United Express partners will operate.
Yesterday United Airlines announced the return of President and CEO Oscar Munoz on a full time basis on 14 March 2016 as he resumes all of his duties and responsibilities at that time. Munoz has already been participating actively in all major corporate decisions and meeting frequently with employees, shareholders and other stakeholders during his recovery from a heart attack.
