United Airlines is evaluating a potential order for Airbus A350-900s by 2030 to replace its ageing fleet of 53 Boeing 767s, averaging 27 years old.
The decision was revealed by CEO Scott Kirby at the APEX Global Expo 2025 in Long Beach, California, on September 2025. United’s current fleet includes 1,051 aircraft, with thirty-seven B767-300ERs and sixteen B767-400ERs targeted for retirement.
The airline deferred a 2017 order for 45 A350-900s, each valued at approximately €280 million, due to strategic fleet adjustments. The A350 consideration aligns with United’s focus on modernising its long-haul operations for improved efficiency and passenger comfort.
Scott Kirby shared: “By the end of the decade, we will be well into retiring the B767. It is a natural time to at least think about whether to make the Airbus A350 order firm in the 2030 timeframe.”
