Insight – United’s twin-aisle replacement choices

There has been a steady stream of news reports about United Airlines looking at replacing its aging 767s and 777-200s.  As a launch customer for both aircraft, United has seen many years of service from these two models. What can we say about United’s twin-aisle replacement choices?

Replacing these two models is not going to be easy – the 787-8 is a “natural” replacement for the 767-300ER.  But the 787-8 has a much longer range and may be overkill.  The 777-200ER could readily be replaced by the 787-9 or 787-10, especially the HGW

versions that are coming.   As a typically Boeing-oriented customer, one would expect United to follow this path.

United does have 45 A359-900s on order with delivery dates starting 2027.  But this order has probably become softer over time. It started in 2013 as an order for A350-1000s.  The HGW 787s are a response to the A350’s success.  Of course, while we are discussing Airbus, the A330neo is an excellent alternative to replace the 767-300ER.  And, we expect, it likely comes at a lower price than the HGW 787.  United paid deposits on that Airbus order and eventually has to “do something.