“Despite all the challenges around the world, things are hitting on all cylinders and we feel really good about where we are and where we are headed in the years to come,” United chief executive Scott Kirby said.
In October, United was among the carriers to announce record revenue during the third quarter as the industry capitalized on travel patterns fueled by flexible schedules that enable people to work remotely. Kirby said September, traditionally a slow period for air travel, was the airline’s third-strongest month in its history.The deal with United is also good news for Boeing, which is facing production slowdowns because of supply chain issues.
“The economics of these planes are really just unmatched,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “These aircraft are dramatically more fuel efficient. This is just revolutionary for United and the potential we have to go around the globe.” Stan Deal, the president and chief executive of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, said in a statement that the company “is honored by United’s trust in our family of airplanes to connect people and transport cargo around the world for decades to come.”aircraft large enough to accommodate two aisles, which typically are used for longer flights — between 2024 and 2032.