Mega order for Boeing and Airbus: United orders 270 planes
The order had been in the air for some time, they imagined it would be a large order but few expected two [...]
United Airlines
Star Alliance
The order had been in the air for some time, one imagined it would be a large order, but few expected two signatures on as many contracts totaling 270 planes from United Airlines, the U.S. carrier partner of Lufthansa and a member of Star Alliance.
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In recent weeks, always United had made headlines around the world with the Bet on a return to supersonic travel, Today, however, the order is for the more traditional Boeing 737max and Aribus A320neo.
What United ordered
The main slice of the order went to American manufacturer Boeing. The agreement announced today calls for 150 737MAX-10s and 50 737MAX-8s to be delivered over the next few years. With today's orders, that's nearly 400 max that United will have in its fleet when all the planes have been delivered. This is a very important breath of fresh air for the Seattle-based company, which, after a very difficult period, puts in a vital order for the future of the company's coffers and the Max program.
Airbus is also smiling thanks to an order for 70 A321neo, adding to the 50 A321XLRs ordered in December 2019 that will be used on point-to-point routes between the United States and Europe, kicking off transatlantic connections on single-aisle aircraft.
A new experience on board
In addition to announcing the new planes, today the carrier announced a total revamp of the onboard experience for all its passengers.
"We will deliver a better and more consistent experience, with more features for more customers, faster than ever before. While some airlines are reducing the number of economy seats with extra legroom, United will offer the most premium seats in North America, taking a different and more customer-focused approach," said Andrew Nocella, United's EVP and Chief Commercial Officer. "This is United leveraging our strengths: the location of our hubs in the United States means we are uniquely positioned to focus on premium products, business travel and global flights like no other U.S. airline. With a focus on the amenities that customers value most, such as 13-inch screens, fast WiFi and additional space for all passengers."
This means a configuration of all planes with 3 classes and lots of premium seats:
- Boeing 737 MAX 8: 16 first class, 54 economy plus
- Boeing 737 MAX 10: 20 first class, 64 economy plus
- Airbus A321neo: 20 first class, 64 economy plus
United's in-flight entertainment (13-inch high-definition screens in every First Class seat and 10-inch HD screens in every United Economy seat on the 737 MAX) includes free access to more than 2,800 selections including movies, TV shows, audio playlists, podcasts, and games. Customers can also watch documentaries and live concerts through United's exclusive partnership with the Coda Collection.
In conclusion
From an industrial point of view, this order is a real blessing for Boeing. After the issues related to Max and the difficulties of ending production of the 777X, the American giant needed to put pen to paper on an order that would end the cancellations that have been affecting the 737 for 2 years.
From the passenger's perspective, it is interesting how, despite the pandemic, United has not changed its business model, rather it has accelerated with the intention of distinguishing itself from the other two American "sisters."
