United Airlines is in the early stages of discussions with Airbus about a potential order for the A321neo aircraft. This move comes as the airline faces uncertainties with its existing Boeing 737 MAX backlog. United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, recently visited Toulouse Blagnac to initiate talks about replacing the airline’s outstanding orders for the 737 MAX 10. The decision is influenced by concerns over the delivery timeline and quality issues affecting Boeing’s aircraft.
Airbus is reportedly seizing this opportunity. According to Bloomberg, the European aircraft manufacturer has approached various lessors and airlines, proposing to buy back their coveted A321neo delivery slots. If successful, Airbus plans to offer these slots to United Airlines, providing a timely solution to United’s fleet requirements.
United’s Current Fleet and the 737 MAX Dilemma
United Airlines currently operates a sizeable fleet dominated by Boeing’s 737NG and 737 MAX models, totaling 488 aircraft. However, the airline also has a significant presence of Airbus narrowbodies in its fleet, including four newly inducted A321neos. Additionally, United has firm orders for 126 more A321neos and 50 A321XLRs from Airbus.
The shift in focus towards Airbus comes in the wake of recent challenges with Boeing’s 737 MAX series. The 737 MAX 10, alongside the MAX 7, has not yet received certification, and its entry into service is still uncertain. This ambiguity, compounded by a recent in-flight door blowout on a 737 MAX 9 leading to a temporary grounding, has prompted United to reevaluate its fleet strategy. Notably, the airline had previously removed the 737 MAX 10 from its internal fleet planning, though the firm order for 292 units remains uncancelled.
United Airlines is a major customer for both the 737 MAX 9 and MAX 10 variants. The airline operates the largest fleet of 737 MAX 9s globally and is poised to be the launch operator for the MAX 10. This background makes United’s potential pivot to Airbus’s A321neo even more notable, indicating a significant shift in the airline’s procurement strategy.
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