Discussion:
United seeking to order 150 widebodies
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JF Mezei
2009-06-05 10:15:31 UTC
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In the news yesterday, a story about United wishing to replace its
entire widebody fleet. It says its last order for new aircraft was in 1998.

Considering the rather lethargic aircraft market so far in 2009 , this
is going to be an extremely coveted order by both manufacturers who will
probably bend over backwards to get it.

UA says it also need to look at replacing its 757s.

From:
http://ir.united.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=83680&p=irol-homeProfile#fleet

Seats Number Avg Age
B757-200 171 97 17

Wide-body
B747-400 350 26 14
B767-300 212 35 14
B777-200 267 52 10


I could see United ordering 15 747/380s with the rest of the 747s
replaced by 777s.

I think Boeing would really need to get this for the 747-800i. If UA
goes for the 380, it won't look good for the 747-800i.


Considering that UA has considerable investiment in the 777, and
especially if UA gets soem 777-300s to replace some of the 747-400s, the
choice of the midrange may favour the 787.

If you don't have 777s, then the 350, being bigger, may be a better fit.
But if you have 777s, especially many -200s, then the smaller 787 may be
a better fit for UA, especially if it needs some long range aircraft to
replace some 757s.

And with the 787 cancellations this year, this may have opened up a few
early delivery slots that Airbus couldn't match.

On the other hand, John Lehey may do much more than bend over backwards
and make an offer UA can't refuse.

I wouldn't be surprised however to see UA Order a few 321s to replace
domestic 757s, then a whole bunch of 787s to replace long rangfe 757s
and all of the 767s, some 777s to replace part of the 747s as well as
the older 777s, and some 380s to replace the rest of 747s.

However, if Boeing can win the 747 order, it would give a lot of
credibility to the 747-800i programme.

Anone know when such orders might be announced ?
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Jeff Hacker
2009-06-05 18:44:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by JF Mezei
In the news yesterday, a story about United wishing to replace its
entire widebody fleet. It says its last order for new aircraft was in 1998.
Considering the rather lethargic aircraft market so far in 2009 , this
is going to be an extremely coveted order by both manufacturers who will
probably bend over backwards to get it.
UA says it also need to look at replacing its 757s.
http://ir.united.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=83680&p=irol-homeProfile#fleet
Seats Number Avg Age
B757-200 171 97 17
Wide-body
B747-400 350 26 14
B767-300 212 35 14
B777-200 267 52 10
I could see United ordering 15 747/380s with the rest of the 747s
replaced by 777s.
I think Boeing would really need to get this for the 747-800i. If UA
goes for the 380, it won't look good for the 747-800i.
Considering that UA has considerable investiment in the 777, and
especially if UA gets soem 777-300s to replace some of the 747-400s, the
choice of the midrange may favour the 787.
If you don't have 777s, then the 350, being bigger, may be a better fit.
But if you have 777s, especially many -200s, then the smaller 787 may be
a better fit for UA, especially if it needs some long range aircraft to
replace some 757s.
And with the 787 cancellations this year, this may have opened up a few
early delivery slots that Airbus couldn't match.
On the other hand, John Lehey may do much more than bend over backwards
and make an offer UA can't refuse.
I wouldn't be surprised however to see UA Order a few 321s to replace
domestic 757s, then a whole bunch of 787s to replace long rangfe 757s
and all of the 767s, some 777s to replace part of the 747s as well as
the older 777s, and some 380s to replace the rest of 747s.
However, if Boeing can win the 747 order, it would give a lot of
credibility to the 747-800i programme.
Anone know when such orders might be announced ?
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While we're guessing what UA would do, I tend to agree with you, JF, but as
to the Airbus 321's, I think range is a problem, as UA uses the 757's on
transcon and also Hawaii missions, which are a bit long for the 321. Just
look at US Airways' A321 fleet which frequently gets hit with load
restrictions and operational fuel stops on westbound transcons in the
summertime.

Jeff
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