United Airlines has confirmed its plan to lease 40 Airbus A321neo jets from aircraft lessors. The airline expects to receive these jets in 2026 and 2027, expanding its fleet as it navigates the ongoing delivery delays from both Airbus and Boeing. According to a report from FlightGlobal, United’s new lease agreements will support the airline’s operations as it faces challenges in receiving aircraft on time due to production issues.
In a filing with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 16, United disclosed that, as of September 30, the airline had entered into leases with “rental obligations of approximately $4 billion.” These leases cover not just aircraft but also airport facilities and office spaces. None of these leases had commenced by the end of September, and they are expected to start between 2024 and 2027 with terms of up to 12 years.
The decision to lease additional A321neo jets comes as United grapples with delivery delays from its major suppliers. Boeing’s production has slowed due to a machinists’ strike, halting the output of 737, 767, and 777 models. Additionally, a large portion of the global A321neo fleet has been grounded due to a recall of Pratt & Whitney’s geared-turbofan engines. The lengthy inspections and repairs required for these engines are further complicating narrowbody aircraft availability worldwide.
United already has firm commitments for 115 new A321neos from Airbus. Deliveries of 14 of these narrowbody jets are expected in the fourth quarter of this year. Another 23 A321neos are set for delivery in 2025, with the remaining 78 arriving later in the decade. To further boost its fleet, United holds orders for 50 A321XLRs, the long-range variant of the A321neo, which are expected to start arriving in January 2026. These new jets will replace the airline’s aging Boeing 757-200s.
Upcoming Aircraft Deliveries
In the fourth quarter, United anticipates receiving eight new Boeing aircraft. These include three 787 Dreamliners, two 737 Max 8s, and three 737 Max 9s. Boeing’s 787 production has continued despite the machinists’ strike, as its Charleston plant is not unionized. United expects an additional 11 Dreamliners to arrive in 2025.
However, the delivery of Boeing 737 Max 10 jets has been delayed further, with United not expecting any until 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has delayed certifying the Max 10 due to a redesign of the aircraft’s engine anti-ice system. Barring any further delays, both the Max 10 and the smaller Max 7 models could be certified in the first half of 2025, according to former Boeing CEO David Calhoun.
United Airlines has also worked out an arrangement with Boeing to address delays in the certification of the 737 Max 10. In April, the airline entered into a confidential agreement that includes compensation for grounding damages and rescheduling delivery timelines. The compensation from Boeing has come in the form of credit memos, which United will apply to future purchases from Boeing.
These credits will reduce the cost basis for previously delivered 737 Max 9 aircraft as well as future deliveries of Max 9s and Max 10s. United outlined this arrangement in the same SEC filing.
United’s announcement of its new lease agreements mirrors similar actions by other airlines dealing with aircraft delays. Delta Air Lines, for example, recently confirmed that it expects its first Boeing 737 Max 10s to arrive in 2026. As the entire aviation sector experiences disruptions, airlines continue to adjust their fleet expansion strategies to ensure they meet growing travel demand.
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