United Airlines expects a significant reduction in aircraft deliveries for 2024 due to Boeing’s production capacity constraints, with only 61 narrowbody and five widebody aircraft anticipated, compared to the original 191 contracted deliveries.
The carrier has made changes to its fleet plan, including converting some B737-10 orders to B737-9s, maintaining flexibility to convert more orders as needed, and leasing 35 new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft expected in 2026 and 2027.
The total capital expenditures for 2024 are now estimated at approximately USD6.5 billion, down from the initial USD9 billion projection, with an average of 100 narrowbody aircraft expected to be delivered per year over the next three years.
Despite fleet challenges, United Airlines aims to increase its mainline fleet to 996 aircraft by adding B787s, MAX, and A321neo jets while reducing the regional fleet from 413 to 393 aircraft, focusing on retiring less fuel-efficient aircraft as needed.
