United Airlines (UAL) today announced orders to purchase 25 new Embraer E-175 and 4 new Boeing 787-9 aircraft. United expects to take delivery of the Embraer E-175 aircraft in 2019 and expects to take delivery of the Boeing 787-9 aircraft in 2020.
The 25 new E-175 aircraft will replace 25 CRJ-700 aircraft currently being flown by our United Express partners. These new E-175 purchases will allow United to offer a more comfortable and efficient aircraft to its customers.
The new 787-9 aircraft are part of United’s widebody fleet replacement strategy. The 787-9 is the longest-range version of the aircraft, while using 20 percent less fuel than older-generation aircraft. It will offer the airline’s all-new United Polaris business class seats and other modern amenities to provide a superior onboard experience to United’s customers.
“These new 787 aircraft are another step in our widebody replacement strategy, and we will continue to roll out new announcements in the future as we implement our comprehensive fleet plan,” said Gerry Laderman, United’s senior vice president of finance and acting chief financial officer. “The new E-175 aircraft will provide our customers with a superior product that offers the latest in onboard amenities and comfort and will be a terrific addition to our fleet.”
Today’s announcement does not change UAL’s previous adjusted capital expenditure guidance. The company will continue to evaluate opportunities to purchase used aircraft. ACN
