Boeing raises 767 production

Last week FedEx ordered 50 767-300F freighters. Meanwhile, United said that next month it

will begin conversion of its 21 three-class Boeing 767s to two-class.

United, in an internal publication for technical operations employees, said that the modifications it will make to its 767s “include many behind-the-scenes but vitally important improvements that should extend the life of the fleet by years and improve reliability.”

In an interview, Brian Znotins, United’s Vice President of Network, said that refurbishing 767s

makes sense because of the low cost basis and the high consumer satisfaction level.

It can be better to use an older, paid-for aircraft than a newer one that is more fuel-efficient.

“We plan long-term fleet at US$3 fuel,” Znotins said. (In the second quarter, United’s mainline

average fuel price was $2.12 a gallon).

The 767s score high in United passenger consumer ratings. United, which polls passengers by

email and gets 8,000 responses a day, has found that the Boeing 767s with remodelled interiors are the second most popular wide-bodies, after the 787s. “Inside, they look brand

new,” Znotins said.