United Airlines is preparing to modernize its fleet with the arrival of its first Airbus A321XLR in December 2025. This move marks a significant step for the Chicago-based carrier as it looks to replace its aging Boeing 757 fleet, which has become increasingly uneconomical for certain routes.
In a report from Ch-Aviation, Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President for Global Network Planning and Alliances, discussed the transition in an interview with Business Insider. He emphasized that the Boeing 757, once a workhorse for the airline, is no longer cost-effective for operating in cities and smaller markets like Tenerife Sur and Reykjavik Keflavik. “But we want to continue flying to these cities, and the A321XLR is long-ranged and has much better fuel burn and maintenance costs,” Quayle stated.
United Airlines’ Fleet Expansion Plans
United Airlines has placed an order for fifty A321XLRs, with plans to primarily deploy these aircraft on international routes. Currently, United operates its 757-200s and 757-300s on international flights to destinations such as Dublin, Edinburgh, Shannon, Lima, Lisbon, Malaga, Porto, Tenerife, and Reykjavik. These aircraft are also extensively used in domestic operations across the United States.
With the introduction of the A321XLR, United Airlines is not only replacing its older fleet but also exploring new opportunities. The advanced range of the A321XLR will allow United to consider destinations that were previously unreachable with narrowbody aircraft. Quayle mentioned that the airline is looking at potential new routes in France, Italy, Scandinavia, and parts of Africa. “The A321XLR can fly much further than the 757 and will open up new stations that either don’t have service from an airline today, or don’t have United Airlines’ service,” he added.
Aging 757 Fleet Nears Retirement
The decision to replace the Boeing 757s comes as the aircraft are nearing the end of their operational lives. United’s current fleet includes forty 757-200s with an average age of 27.6 years and twenty-one 757-300s averaging 22.1 years. These aging aircraft have become less efficient and more costly to maintain, prompting the shift to the newer, more efficient A321XLR.
Airbus is scheduled to deliver the first A321XLR to Iberia later this year. The Spanish carrier will introduce the aircraft on commercial services from Madrid Barajas to Boston starting in November. United’s adoption of the A321XLR represents a broader trend among airlines seeking to enhance operational efficiency and expand route possibilities with this new generation of narrowbody aircraft.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
