FLEET - United Airlines (US) will retire at least 80 aircraft in 2027 to push its North US average gauge closer to its 136-seat target. Deliveries of its A321neo variants — XLR and Coastliner — will spool up later in 2026, aiming for 100 premium narrowbodies by the end of the decade.

The first B737-10 is expected in mid-to-late 2027.

Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX

SPECIAL COLOURS / ROUTES - United Sees Increased Demand for Americana-Inspired Trips During Country’s 250th Anniversary

Airline sees increased demand to visit America’s founding cities, including Boston and Philadelphia and bookings to National Park destinations are up double digits

United expects to fly around 6 million passengers this Fourth of July holiday – and nearly 40% of daily flights will have fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members

From exclusive access to blockbuster films to premium food and beverage options, United is elevating the passenger experience from nose-to-tail this summer 

Travelers are celebrating the red, white and blue this summer by visiting some of the nation’s most iconic landscapes and historical sights. In the year of the country’s 250th birthday, people are embracing Americana-inspired trips – from exploring National Parks to learning more about the founding of the United States.

Around 6 million passengers are expected to fly United this Fourth of July holiday between June 26 to July 6 – averaging roughly 550,000 passengers per day across nearly 5,000 daily flights. Some passengers will even get the chance to fly United's new "Stars and Stripes" livery that recently took to the skies on a U.S.-built Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-800 featuring a bold red, white and blue design. Here are some of the most popular ‘Americana’ inspired destinations this summer:

-American history is having a moment: In the days leading up to the country’s milestone birthday, United is seeing an increase in travel to historical cities – including a 25% increase in bookings to Philadelphia and nearly a 10% increase in bookings to Boston*.

-Exploring America’s natural treasures: More travelers are discovering the beauty of popular U.S. National Parks this summer. United is seeing a nearly 10% increase in bookings to Bangor, Maine (Acadia National Park), a nearly 20% increase to Bozeman, MT (Yellowstone National Park) and a more than 10% increase to Montrose, CO (Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park) the rest of June through the end of August*.

-‘Coolcations’ are heating up: This summer, United is seeing a rise in travel to cooler remote climates – including a nearly a 15% increase in bookings to Fairbanks this June through July and a 40% increase in bookings to Anchorage in August*.

-Celebrating America’s pastime: Ahead of baseball’s biggest summer showcase, United bookings to Philadelphia are up nearly 15% for July 12–13*.

Stay Connected with Starlink

Travelers can keep up with their favorite sporting events, fireworks displays, parades and other holiday festivities onboard thanks to Starlink Wi-Fi, which United will have available for free for MileagePlus members on nearly 40% of its daily flights.

More than 400 United planes now have Starlink – and the airline just launched service on long haul international flights earlier this week. United expects to have close to 1,000 Starlink-equipped aircraft before the end of this year – with the entire fleet outfitted before the end of 2027.

Starlink helps power a more connected and personalized onboard experience by delivering performance that feels closer to being connected at home than traditional inflight Wi-Fi. MileagePlus members on Starlink equipped flights can stream live content, collaborate in real time, game, shop, and sync multiple devices, transforming the cabin into a fully connected space from gate to gate.

United Debuts Exclusive Blockbusters and Elevated Food & Beverage Offerings this Summer 

From highly-anticipated blockbusters to premium culinary offerings – the airline is rolling out new offerings for customers from nose-to tail this summer. Whether they are flying in United Polaris® or United Economy ®, United is elevating the onboard and in-app features that make travel more convenient and comfortable.

Starting July 1, United will be the first and only airline where fans can watch The Devil Wears Prada 2 as Miranda Priestly and Andrea Sachs set out to rescue Runway Magazine. Featuring real United employees who welcome Miranda aboard her United Economy experience, the film will be available exclusively on United’s industry-leading inflight entertainment one month before any other U.S.-based airline.

In addition to the film, United passengers can choose from more than 2,200 hours of world-class entertainment available on 800+ planes equipped with Bluetooth audio-enabled seatback screens – the most of any airline.

Also beginning July 1, United customers can kick off their summer travel with Owen’s Margarita Mix onboard. Made with 100% blue agave nectar and real juice, the premium mixer will be available on flights across United’s network – available for purchase in economy and complimentary in premium cabins – offering customers in every cabin a refreshing new way to sip into summer at 35,000 feet. And starting August 1, United will serve up a new era of inflight dining, debuting chef-curated meals on United Polaris international business class flights from world-renowned chefs brought together by Chef's Table, the brand behind the Emmy Award-winning Netflix series. The menus will be available for pre-order on United’s award-winning mobile app.

To help travelers navigate airports with ease this summer, the United mobile app is equipped with time-saving features – including real-time flight updates, TSA wait times** at U.S. hub airports, boarding updates, real-time boarding progress, bag tracking and personalized turn-by-turn directions to connecting gates. The app also delivers a personalized experience across every stage of the journey, providing customers with relevant information before departure, during their flight and upon arrival.

SPECIAL LIVERYS - United Celebrates America with Custom 250th Anniversary Livery and Military Pilot Hiring Program Milestone

United's new "Stars and Stripes" livery takes to the skies this summer on a U.S.-built Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-800 featuring a bold red, white and blue design

Nearly 600 pilots have transitioned from military service to United since 2024 through its military pilot pathway program

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby visit Washington Dulles International Airport to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and the airline's pilot hiring milestone

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- United today unveiled a new specialty "Stars and Stripes" livery that celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary and announced a milestone to the airline's United Military Pilot Program, an initiative that provides currently serving active-duty U.S. military pilots access to a conditional job offer with the airline much earlier than they were previously afforded.

Since 2024, nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to United through the program, with 500 more expected by the end of 2027.

To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, United's new specialty livery takes to the skies this summer on a U.S.-built Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-800. Painted in Amarillo, Texas, the bold red, white and blue design features 50 stars representing states across the country, while diagonal red and white stripes reflect the energy and momentum of a nation always moving forward. Both aircraft will include a commemorative plaque dedicated to United's active-duty service members and veterans who have selflessly served our country.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby were joined by United employees, including those from United's Veterans' Business Resource Group, and local dignitaries at Washington Dulles International Airport to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and the airline's pilot hiring milestone.

"America is the greatest country in the world, and we're proud to play a role in celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary," said Kirby. "For 100 years of that history, United has been a pioneering U.S. company, investing in people and communities across the country. Today, we proudly employ more than 8,300 military veterans, of which 1,500 are active members of the National Guard and Reserve forces. Our 'Stars and Stripes' livery pays tribute to their service to our country that continues to make America strong."

"It's great to see United join this administration's call to celebrate America's historic birthday," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "This patriotic design will remind the American people of the many freedoms we enjoy and how lucky we are to be part of the Great American Experiment!"

United's Support of Military and Veterans

United supports service members, veterans and military families through hiring programs, employee engagement and military-focused organizations in communities across the United States.

United Military Pilot Program: This initiative offers active-duty and active reserve military pilots a path to a United flight deck with a conditional job offer as a First Officer. Candidates must be more than 12 months away from the date of availability to start full-time with United, and a minimum of 12 months from the separation date. Applicants are not required to hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate at the time of application to receive a conditional job offer, providing flexibility for service members, including starting at United when the time is right for them and their families. Currently, United has over 18,000 pilots, including more than 4,500 who are veterans.
United for Veterans: United's business resource group for employees who are military veterans, service members and their supporters includes more than 5,300 members and supports the company's efforts to recruit, develop and retain veteran talent across the airline.
United Support for Military Organizations: United supports organizations serving veterans, service members and their families through flight support for veterans to visit memorial sites in the nation's capital and around the world, career mentorship, volunteerism and other in-kind contributions. This includes support for organizations such as the USO, the Greatest Generations Foundation, as well as the Fisher House Foundation where United has provided more than 16,000 flights to military and veteran families in need, and United teams across the country have volunteered at local Fisher Houses helping cook meals, garden and decorate homes for the families who stay there.
United's Miles on a Mission: MileagePlus® members can donate unused miles to the USO to support traveling service members and their families, as well as directly to Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program to help bring family members to the bedside of injured service members.

FLEET - UNITED AIRLINES TOOK delivery of its first A321XLR, serial 12581

The first of 50 ordered in 2019. The aircraft is powered by PW1133GR-JM engines.

Image: United

FLEET - United Airlines announces new CRJ450 version

Duncan Stewart - LAX

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) expects to retrofit about fifty CRJ200 aircraft into the new CRJ450 version by 2030, the company said in a statement. The new variant is expected to seat 41 passengers.

United said in a statement that the CRJ450 “is a first-of-its-kind regional aircraft, designed to evoke the feeling of a private jet experience for travellers in the United First cabin.” To do so, the company will remove the overhead bins in this section in favour of a large luggage closet.

The CRJ450 will join the CRJ550, a variation of the CRJ700, so that “by 2028, United expects to have more than fifty CRJ450s and nearly 120 CRJ550s in service,” the carrier outlined.

At the end of 2025, United had thirty CRJ200s in its fleet, all sourced from SkyWest Airlines (OO, St. George Municipal), flying under the United Express brand and with a configuration for 50 passengers.

In a statement to ch-aviation, SkyWest said: “We’re excited to partner with United to elevate the onboard customer experience, reimagining the CRJ200 into the enhanced CRJ450. Our first CRJ450 modification is in process, and we expect to begin operating this premium United Express product beginning in fall 2026, with more than 50 in service by 2028.”

To make the modifications, the companies require a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the new interiors, which has not yet been granted, but is in process, from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ch-aviation understands.

SkyWest Airlines has 130 CRJ200s in its fleet, with an average age of 23 years.

In the past, MHI RJ Aviation manufactured the CRJ440LR version, a 44-seater version of the CRJ200. However, no aircraft of the type are currently active, and many were reconfigured later into the 50-seater CRJ200.

Over 250 deliveries by 2028

In addition to the announcement about the CRJ450, United Airlines said it expects to take delivery of over 250 new aircraft by April 2028. This includes forty-seven B787-9s (thirty-three of them configured with additional premium seats), fifty-eight A321-200NX (including forty in what the company calls the Coastliner configuration), twenty-eight A321-200NY(XLR)s, and 119 B737 MAX.

The A321neo Coastliner and the A321-200NY(XLR) will feature all-aisle-access lie-flat seats in United Polaris. Scott Kirby, United’s chief executive, said this was a continuation of the company’s plan United Next growth strategy launched in 2021 and aims to create a more consistent premium onboard experience

CH Aviation

FLEET / ORDER - United to Add 250+ Planes in Next Two Years - Most by Any Airline - Includes New, Premium Customer Experiences, Aircraft Variants, Subfleet, Seats and Amenities

Ton Jochems - BRU

Coastliner" Airbus A321neo will fly between West Coast hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco and Newark/New York starting later this summer – includes all-aisle access lie-flat United Polaris® business class seat and United Polaris lounge access, a first for United's domestic travelers

Airbus A321XLR with United Polaris seats will replace Boeing 757s on existing routes to smaller cities in Europe and South America starting this summer

New CRJ450 connects smaller cities to Denver and Chicago hubs starting this fall - premium regional jet features spacious United First® cabin with a luggage closet instead of overhead bins

New 787-9 with the Elevated interior will fly internationally starting on April 22 - featuring new United Polaris Studio℠ suites and the most total premium seats in United's fleet

Since 2021, United has added 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 237 Boeing 737 MAX and 67 Airbus A321neos, completed 70% of its plan to retrofit its mainline narrow-body fleet, replaced more than 100 regional jets with larger aircraft; increased premium seats per North American departure by 40%, and hired more than 60,000 people

New fleet and product offerings reflect United's focus on delivering a premium experience and offering something new for every customer

CHICAGO and LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced the next phase of its long-term plan to win brand loyal customers and further differentiate itself from competitors.

 United to Add 250+ Planes in Next Two Years – Most by Any Airline – Includes New, Premium Customer Experiences, Aircraft Variants, Subfleet, Seats and Amenities

The airline expects to take delivery of more than 250 new aircraft by April 2028 – the most by any airline in a two-year period – to further modernize its fleet, add new aircraft variants, create a new experience for transcontinental travelers and introduce new onboard products for every customer, reinforcing United's position as a leading premium airline.

United is adding widebody experiences to its new, narrowbody aircraft: the new "Coastliner" Airbus A321 subfleet and A321XLR are United's first narrowbodies with the Elevated interior and feature a new, all-aisle access lie-flat seat in United Polaris with a patented design that offers more elbow and shoulder room and lower suite walls that protect privacy while maintaining an open feel in the cabin. United has 100 of these new airplanes coming into its fleet, and they'll replace 40 older, less efficient Boeing 757s.

The Coastliner will have a specially designed livery and fly exclusively between United's west coast hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles and Newark/New York and will introduce the United Polaris cabin experience to domestic travelers. For the first time, customers traveling in United Polaris on these routes can also get access to the United Polaris lounge.

United's A321XLR gives travelers access to 32 premium seats – 16 more than the 757 it replaces – and will start flying later this year.

The CRJ450 – a reimagined and redesigned version of the CRJ200 will be operated by SkyWest and will connect smaller cities to the airline's Denver and Chicago hubs starting this fall. This will be one of United's most premium regional jets, boasting a spacious United First cabin with a large luggage closet instead of overhead bins, creating an open, luxurious environment unlike any other commercial regional aircraft.

United's new 787-9 with the Elevated interior will fly internationally starting on April 22. These planes include the airline's new United Polaris Studio: lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25% larger than standard United Polaris seats and include privacy doors*, an ottoman for companions on some seats, exclusive meal service with wine pairings and caviar, new amenity kits with retail-size offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen – the largest among U.S. carriers.

Today's announcement expands on the successful and ambitious 'United Next' growth strategy announced in 2021. Since that time, United has added 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 237 Boeing 737 MAX and 67 Airbus A321neos, completed 70% of its plan to retrofit its mainline, narrow-body fleet, replaced more than 100 regional jets with larger mainline aircraft; increased premium seats per North American departure by 40% and hired more than 60,000 people.

"For more than a decade, we've invested billions of dollars in our product, service, and technology as part of our plan to be the best brand loyal airline in the world, and the result is that more and more customers are choosing to fly us every day," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "Today we accelerate our plans and elevate our offerings to the next level, creating an even more consistent, premium onboard experience for every customer and delivering value across every cabin of service."

"These new planes and products not only complement our fleet and network plans, but they also give our customers more premium amenity and seat choices – whether they bought a basic economy ticket to fly from Chicago to Ft. Wayne or are flying Polaris between San Francisco and Singapore," said United Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella. "United is setting the pace and innovating for our customers at a scope and scale unheard of in aviation history – and we're not taking our foot off the gas."

New airplanes joining United's fleet between now and April of 2028 include:

47 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with the Elevated interior

33 will be configured with additional premium seats

40 Airbus A321neo Coastliners out of 50 total on order

28 Airbus A321XLR out of 50 total on order

119 Boeing 737 MAX

18 Airbus A321neos

A Widebody Experience on a Narrowbody Jet

The new A321neo Coastliner and A321XLR feature a custom-designed, all-aisle access lie-flat seat in United Polaris that brings the same feeling of spaciousness and comfort that customers enjoy on widebody airplanes to these new narrowbody jets. This new suite is wider at the shoulder and elbow than similar competitor products and has semi-translucent suite dividers that create an open feeling in the cabin while still maintaining passenger privacy. The patented design is the result of more than five years of research and development – including two rounds of customer sleep trials – to ensure it has ample space for customers to relax comfortably, an intuitive layout and easy-to-access features.

The addition of the A321neo Coastliner and A321XLR – combined with airline's existing fleet – means United will soon offer nearly double the number of lie-flat seats than its next closest competitor.

"Coastliner" Airbus A321neo

The Airbus A321neo Coastliner was custom designed to give transcontinental customers an even better experience – the interior of the plane is all-new from nose-to-tail, with 20 new, all-aisle access lie-flat seats in United Polaris, 12 United Premium Plus® seats – a first for narrowbody domestic flights – and 129 United Economy® seats. United removed three seats from the standard configuration of this plane to make room for a snack bar in the rear of the plane, so customers traveling in Economy can grab their favorite snack or non-alcoholic beverage anytime during their flight.

United Polaris customers traveling on the Coastliner will receive the similar amenities enjoyed by customers on international flights, including Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, Perricone MD skincare in the amenity kits, and premium headphones with Meridian technology. And – for the first time – customers flying in United Polaris on this aircraft can get access to the United Polaris lounge.

The Coastliner will be easy to spot in the sky thanks to a new livery that pays homage to the coastal destinations it serves. Distinctive bands in bright shades of blue wrap around the back third of the airplane, and United's name is painted proudly on the aircraft belly for those lucky enough to spot it from below – particularly from the iconic plane spotting locations near Los Angeles International Airport.

The routes the Coastliner will fly are some of United's busiest – on average, more than 10,000 passengers fly between the airline's West Coast hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles and Newark/New York every day – and connect from there to the airline's leading global route network, with Hong Kong, Melbourne, Shanghai, Sydney and Taipei being the most popular onward destinations. United serves 17 destinations across the Pacific from its west coast hubs and 42 destinations across the Atlantic from Newark/New York – more than any other U.S. airline. The first of United's 50 planned Coastliners will start flying this summer, and the airline expects 40 of them to be flying by early 2028.

Airbus A321XLR

The Airbus A321XLR was also designed from the ground up to be the airline's most premium narrowbody airplane, capable of providing a new level of comfort and style for those traveling on international short-to medium-haul routes. This airplane has 32 premium seats – 16 more than the 757s it replaces – including a new all-aisle access lie-flat United Polaris suite with a privacy door. Every seat has a large, 4K OLED screen with Bluetooth connectivity, ranging in size from 19 inches in Polaris, 16 inches in United Premium Plus and 13 inches in United Economy and everyone has access to larger overhead bins with room for rollaboard bags. Just like the Coastliner, the A321XLR features a snack bar in the rear of the Economy cabin.

The A321XLR will replace United's Boeing 757 fleet on some existing international routes starting this summer, and in the future, will open new destinations for the airline in Europe and South America. United will launch this new plane with a special "Born to Explore" decal, in celebration of the new flying this airplane makes possible. 50 A321XLRs are expected to join United's fleet and more than half of them are expected to be in service by 2028.

CRJ450

The 41-seat CRJ450 is a first-of-its kind regional aircraft designed to evoke a feeling of a private jet experience for travelers in the United First cabin. In a first for a U.S. commercial airline, the overhead bins in United First have been removed in favor of a large luggage closet, creating a spacious, airy environment. The Economy cabin features overhead bins large enough to fit rollaboard bags – uncommon on regional jets of this size – and all new trim and finish that's consistent with United's larger aircraft. Every passenger onboard can enjoy free Starlink Wi-Fi if they're a member of MileagePlus, keeping them connected to work and entertainment just like they are at home.

The CRJ450 joins the popular CRJ550 – an airplane that marked the start of United's reimagining of its regional fleet when it launched in 2019. The CRJ550 has among the highest customer satisfaction scores of any regional aircraft. By 2028, United expects to have more than 50 CRJ450s and nearly 120 CRJ550s in service, giving travelers a stylish, premium option to connect primarily from smaller cities to United's hubs and global network.  

Boeing 787-9 Elevated

In less than a year from when it was first announced, United has taken delivery of its first three Boeing 787-9 aircraft with the all-new Elevated interior – a nose-to-tail transformation across every cabin. With 99 premium seats, this aircraft is United's most premium international aircraft yet and marks the debut of United Polaris Studio – a new seat that's 25% larger than the standard United Polaris seat and includes privacy doors, an extra ottoman for companions, exclusive meal service with wine pairings and caviar, new amenity kits with retail-size offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen, the largest among U.S. carriers. Every seat on this airplane has gotten an upgrade – from the new suites in United Polaris with sliding doors and a 19-inch, 4K OLED screen, to freshly designed seats in United Premium Plus and United Economy with 16-inch and 13-inch 4K OLED screens respectively.

The inaugural international flight for the 787-9 with the Elevated interior is set for April 22 from San Francisco to Singapore, and a few lucky customers might catch it on select domestic routes between San Francisco and Houston over the next few weeks while it prepares for international service. United plans to have 33 787-9 airplanes with the Elevated interior flying by 2028.

New Amenities for Every Traveler

United is making investments for all its customers like:

Starlink Wi-Fi – free for MileagePlus members – bringing an at-home internet experience to the sky and expected to be onboard all United dual-cabin planes by the end of 2027.

A softer, more stylish blanket for economy travelers on longer routes.

New, higher quality earbuds with improved audio for economy travelers.

A continued investment in food and wine across every cabin, including a new partnership with Chef's Table that will bring new menu options designed by some of the world's leading chefs onboard this summer.

Screens at every seat – within two years United expects to have more than 227,000 screens on more than 1,200 aircraft.

An industry-leading library of in-flight entertainment content, featuring award winning movies, such as Sinners and One Battle After Another from Warner Bros. Pictures, and premium content from Apple TV, HBO Max, A24 and Spotify.

Bins large enough to fit everyone's rollaboard bag – now on board nearly 570 United planes

An award-winning app that updates regularly with new features like turn-by-turn wayfinding for connecting customers, a virtual gate that alerts you when it's time to board, real-time weather updates, bag tracking with Apple AirTag integration, real-time United Club capacity information and more.

For more information about how United is creating an industry-leading, premium experience for its customers visit United.com/Elevated.

SPECIAL STICKER - United Airlines applies a commemorative 100th-anniversary sticker to the A321NEO.

Photo: Nathan Francois

N44550 / Airbus A321-271NX

SPECIAL STICKER - UNITED AIRLINES / B787-9 / N29975

N29975 departing runway 23 as UA208 to San Francisco, after the inaugural arrival from San Francisco, marking the first scheduled passenger flight from San Francisco to Adelaide
Adelaide Int'l - YPAD, Australia

Photo: Cameron Roberts

ROUTES - UNITED NS26 INTERCONTINENTAL NETWORK EXPANSION – 09OCT25

United today (09OCT25) announced planned intercontinental network expansion for Northern summer 2026 season, including the launch of 5 new routes, while resuming 1. All effective dates below are based on US departures.


Newark – Bari eff 01MAY26 4 weekly 767-300ER
UA380 EWR1645 – 0745+1BRI 763 x246
UA381 BRI0945 – 1400EWR 763 x357

Newark – Glasgow eff 08MAY26 1 daily 737 MAX 8 (Last served until October 2019)
UA230 EWR2215 – 1010+1GLA 7M8 D
UA231 GLA1400 – 1635EWR 7M8 D

Newark – Santiago de Compostela eff 27MAY26 3 weekly 737 MAX 8
UA222 EWR1915 – 0815+1SCQ 7M8 357
UA221 SCQ1000 – 1150EWR 7M8 146

Newark – Seoul Incheon eff 04SEP26 1 daily 787-9 (United between 1991 and 1993 operated Newark – Tokyo Narita – Seoul flights)
UA285 EWR1035 – 1520+1ICN 789 D
UA286 ICN1715 – 1800EWR 789 D

Newark – Split eff 30APR26 3 weekly 767-300ER
UA305 EWR1700 – 0745+1SPU 763 246
UA306 SPU1000 – 1405EWR 763 357

Washington Dulles – Reykjavík Keflavík eff 21MAY26 1 daily 757-200
UA398 IAD2255 – 0850+1KEF 752 D
UA399 KEF1130 – 1355IAD 752 D

Other service changes:
Newark – Funchal eff 16MAY26 Seasonal service commences 3 weeks earlier, instead of 06JUN26. 737 MAX 8 operates 3 weekly
Newark – Nuuk eff 06JUN26 Seasonal service commences 1 week earlier, instead of 13JUN26. 737 MAX 8 operates 2 weekly
Newark – Tel Aviv eff 28MAR26 Increase from 14 to 18 weekly. Additional 4 weekly operated by 787-9
UA084 EWR1530 – 0855+1TLV 781 D
UA167 EWR2025 – 1400+1TLV 789 x357
UA090 EWR2250 – 1620+1TLV 781 D

UA168 TLV0055 – 0540EWR 789 x257
UA085 TLV1100 – 1545EWR 781 D
UA091 TLV2325 – 0410+1EWR 781 D

San Francisco – Papeete (Tahiti) eff 29JUN26 Previously reported on AeroRoutes, service to increase from 5 to 7 weekly, 787-9 operating

Photo: Ton Jochems

 

FLEET - United Transforms Customer Experience in Guam with New Boeing 737 MAX 8 Fleet, Upgraded Lobby

Airline to replace current Boeing 737-800 fleet with ten Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes that offer screens in every seatback, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, more extra-legroom seating, and overhead bin space for eveyrone's roll aboard carry-on bag, with the first arrival scheduled for February 2026

Lobby upgrades also underway at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport with new check-in kiosks which will reduce congestion and wait times

CHICAGO and HAGÅTÑA, Guam, September 25, 2025 – United is transforming the travel experience on the ground and in the sky at its Guam hub, today announcing it will replace its entire Boeing 737-800 fleet with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and upgrade its check-in lobby at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport with new kiosks that will reduce congestion and save customers time.


The first Boeing 737 MAX 8 is scheduled to arrive in February of 2026 and will feature United’s signature interior with seatback entertainment in every seat, larger overhead bins for every passenger's carry-on bag, Wi-Fi available for purchase, more extra-legroom seating, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a bright look-and-feel with LED lighting, bringing customers a more modern onboard experience. Ribbon cutting for the new lobby will take place when construction is complete.

“Our investment in new aircraft and a complete refresh of our lobby in Guam will deliver the premium experience our customers expect of United and is part of our broader commitment to elevating the customer experience for our customers in Guam and the broader Pacific region,” said David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer. “For customers with connecting flights to or from the mainland U.S., these investments will mean a consistent, seamless experience from check-in to landing.”

Sam Shinohara, United’s Managing Director of Airport Operations in Asia-Pacific, added, “Guam is more than just a hub for us – it’s a gateway that connects communities across the Pacific and the United States. For our more than 1,000 employees based in Guam and Micronesia and the communities we serve, this investment reinforces United’s long-term commitment to supporting Guam and the region’s tourism economy.”

New Aircraft

United's Guam-based 737 MAX 8 will have up to 166 seats total, including up to 16 United FirstSM seats. Every seat on these aircraft has access to USB charge ports and provides a seatback experience with accessibility features for people with hearing or visual disabilities. The aircraft also will have Bluetooth technology throughout for easy connections between wireless headphones and the seatback entertainment screens.

Wi-Fi will be available for purchase, with United planning to roll out Starlink to its entire fleet within the next few years. Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus customers and includes game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more.

United's inflight entertainment – 13-inch high-definition screens in every first-class seat and 10-inch HD screens in every United Economy seat on the 737 MAX 8 – includes free access to more than 1,400 on-demand selections including movies, TV shows and international selections, as well as audio playlists, podcasts, and games. The entertainment system is translated into 16 different languages, including Japanese, Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified), and movies and TV shows from across the globe are available in various languages in audio or subtitles. Customers can also check what content is available ahead of their flight. United recently announced that full seasons of select Apple TV+ global hits are available for free on the airline's seatback screens and in the United app, including award-winning shows such as Severance, Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, Silo and more. In addition, United has a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Spotify that delivers 450+ hours of audiobook and video podcast content for free.

When needed, the front rows of Economy class can be collapsed to accomodate a medical stretcher for patients needing medevac transport.

Lobby Upgrades

United is also investing in the customer experience at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport with a significant upgrade to the check-in lobby. United has installed brand-new, next-generation kiosks, which are up to 55% faster than the current kiosks, providing an improved employee and customer experience.

Since the new kiosks have been installed in Guam, more than 48,000 customers have saved up to 18 seconds during check in, with the average session time now under two minutes. The new kiosks have expanded self-service capabilities, including a self-booking option for customers who have missed their flight.

The lobby is being re-configured and redesigned to be more customer-centric, with the check-in kiosks staged in a two-step configuration to reduce congestion and wait times. United’s kiosks are designed to be accessible to all customers and construction in the terminal is expected to be complete by mid-October.

Same-Day Connections from Saipan to Honolulu

United is making it more convenient for customers in Saipan to connect to Honolulu and beyond, adjusting its schedule three days per week from Saipan to allow for a same-day connection. Effective from Dec. 1, 2025 to Mar. 27, 2026, flights from Saipan to Guam will depart roughly four hours earlier at 6:00 a.m. local time, with a 55-minute connection in Guam, creating a more efficient onward connection to Honolulu. The earlier flights will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with the new schedule loading on Friday.

UNITED

FLEET / ORDER - United Airlines to decide over Airbus A350 joining carrier’s long-haul fleet

Chicago-based United Airlines is getting closer to deciding what to do about its longstanding order for the Airbus A350. With the carrier saying it is to decide about Boeing 777 retirement by the end of 2025, even the company’s CEO, Scott Kirby, is talking about finalizing its plans for the European-built widebody.

United Airlines originally placed a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-900s in 2009. That commitment then changed to 35 A350-1000s in 2013, and later to 45 A350-900s in 2017. Despite these several deferrals, the type remains on United’s books but with first deliveries not expected until well into the 2030s.

Speaking with The Airline Observer, Kirby told journalist Brian Sumers that United is reconsidering its long-standing Airbus A350 order as part of a wider fleet renewal strategy. The comment came as Kirby framed international aviation as a “trade deficit” that Washington needed to address.

While the airline has delayed its Airbus A350-900 deliveries beyond 2030, Kirby has previously told staff at the company that, with aircraft manufacturers’ order books growing, a decision on replacing its aging Boeing 767 and 777s must come by the end of 2025. For years, industry observers had expected these A350 orders would be cancelled, particularly in light of United throwing its support behind the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, of which it still has over 140 examples of the twinjet on order.

However, with the carrier currently evaluating operating economics, politics, and pilot training costs against its backlog of Boeing 787 orders, Kirby stated that now could be the time to revisit the plans for the A350.

Additionally, with the retirement of its Boeing 757s and 767s fleets looming, replacing these aircraft will require pilot retraining regardless of which new type enters the fleet. Kirby mentioned that, as crew retraining costs are inevitable, it could make sense to introduce the A350 rather than indefinitely defer it to gain more benefit from those fleet decisions.

“By the time we get to the end of the decade, we will be well into retiring the 767. I’m reluctant to bring a new fleet type on, for all the cost and complexity reasons. But as we are retiring the 767 and 757, we’re going to have to retrain pilots. We’re going to have to go through a lot of that cycle anyway, and it’s a natural time to at least think about, we should now actually turn it into a real firm order instead of continuing to defer?

By the end of the current decade, United will have fully phased out its fleet of 53 767 aircraft. This, Kirby said, makes it a “natural time” to consider firming the Airbus order instead of further postponing it.

The airline is already undergoing a major fleet replacement and modernization plan. Currently, the carrier has commitments for 50 Airbus A321XLRs, which it is using as Boeing 757 replacements, leaving the 767 and 777-200 families as the next major aircraft group within the present fleet up for renewal.

The airline has 53 767s and 74 Boeing 777-200s in need of replacement. There are currently 101 other widebodies in the fleet, although the carrier is forecast ot need more widebodies than the current order for more Dreamliners to fully fund replacements and continue international growth.

Moreover, United also holds a Rolls-Royce engine deal signed eight years ago. Once seen as unfavorable, the agreement has become more attractive for the airline as inflation, supply chain issues, and rising travel demand have all changed since the pandemic.

While the company has pinned its future international expansion on the Boeing 787 for the time being, a decision will have to be made about the outstanding A350 order very soon, acknowledges Kirby. The A350, with its larger capacity and longer range that the 787 series could offer Unity slightly different mission profiles than the Dreamliner, making currently unserved international routes more attractive and feasible to the carrier.

If United does move forward with Airbus, industry observers believe the airline would likely balance it with additional orders for Boeing airplanes to maintain political and industrial support across the spectrum on both sides of the Atlantic.

 Aerotime

ROUTES - UNITED JAN 2026 DOMESTIC KEY SERVICE EXPANSION

United during 04SEP25’s schedule update filed expanded domestic service from January 2026, which sees the airline schedules additional frequencies/capacity on various key routes served by Spirit Airlines.

Based on schedule listing comparison 31AUG25 vs 07SEP25, planned changes from 06JAN26 as follows. Note the capacity data is based on week of 11-17JAN26 and some of these extra flights are mainly focusing on the period of 06JAN26 – 11FEB26.

Chicago O'Hare – Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Increase from 5 to 6 daily (capacity increases from 6853 to 8106 seats. UA as of 15JUN25 filed 4 daily with 5159 seats)
Chicago O'Hare – Houston Increase from 10 to 11 daily (capacity increases from 13412-13559 to 14665-14812 seats. UA as of 15JUN25 filed 12824 seats)
Chicago O'Hare – Los Angeles Increase from 8 to 9 daily (capacity increases from 12824 to 14077 seats. UA as of 15JUN25 was listing 9 daily with 13314 seats)
Chicago O'Hare – Las Vegas Increase from 6 to 7 daily (capacity increases from 8106 to 9359 seats)
Chicago O'Hare – New Orleans Increase from 2 to 3 daily (capacity increases from 2212 to 3094 seats. UA as of 15JUN25 filed 2100 seats)
Chicago O'Hare – New York LaGuardia Additional seats offered for the period of 06JAN26 – 11FEB26
* 14 daily (capacity increases from 12038 to 12388 seats. UA as of 15JUN25 filed 16268 seats)
* ORD 1300 departure and LGA 1715 departure will move from Embraer E175 to mainline A319

Chicago O'Hare – Orlando Increase from 7 to 8 daily (capacity increases from 10801 to 12201 seats)
Houston – Atlanta Increase from 4 to 5 daily (capacity increases from 3976 to 4858 seats)
Houston – Baltimore/Washington Increase from 2 to 3 daily (capacity increases from 2506 to 3668 seats)
Houston – Las Vegas Increase from 7 to 8 daily (capacity increases from 8771 to 9933 seats)
Houston – Los Angeles Increase from 9 to 10 daily (capacity increases from 11620 to 12873 seats)
Houston – Miami Increase from 4 to 5 daily (capacity increases from 4921 to 6083 seats)
Houston – New Orleans Increase from 8 to 9 daily (capacity increases from 8043 to 8925 seats)
Houston – Orlando Increase from 7 to 8 daily (capacity increases from 8589 to 9842 seats. UA as of 15JUN25 filed 6 daily with 7245 weekly seats)
Los Angeles – Las Vegas Increase from 5 to 6 daily (capacity increases from 5992 to 6482 seats)
Newark – Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Increase from 9 to 10 daily (capacity increases from 11004 to 12557 seats)

Others:
Houston – Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood United has been listing 6 daily flights earlier this year, with 7063 weekly seats offered (minor reduction from 7245 seats as of 15JUN25)
Newark – Orlando United has been listing 13 daily flights since earlier this year, with 15995 weekly seats offered

Photo:Duncan Stewart

 

ROUTES - UNITED JAN 2026 NEWARK DOMESTIC NETWORK ADDITIONS

United in January 2026 plans to add a pair of domestic routes at Newark, operated by GoJet CRJ550 aircraft.

Newark – Chattanooga eff 06JAN26 5 weekly CRJ550 (GoJet; Last served until October 2018)
UA4167 EWR0939 – 1218CHA CR5 x26
UA4485 CHA1253 – 1515EWR CR5 x26

Newark – Columbia SC eff 06JAN26 5 weekly CRJ550 (GoJet; Last served until March 2014)
UA4493 EWR1202 – 1414CAE CR5 x26
UA4431 CAE0910 – 1122EWR CR5 x26

Other planned flight increases will be highlighted on AeroRoutes in the next few days.

ROUTES - UNITED NW25 INTERCONTINENTAL NETWORK CHANGES – 20JUL25 6 min

United in recent weeks filed additional changes to its planned intercontinental network for Northern winter 2025/26 season. Planned changes as of 20JUL25 include the following.

Chicago O'Hare – Rome Fiumicino 18DEC25 – 18FEB26 Seasonal service suspension (Previous: 18DEC25 – 04MAR26)
Chicago O'Hare – Zurich
eff 25OCT25 Increase from initially filed 6 weekly to 7 weekly, 767-300ER
06JAN26 – 23FEB26 Reduce from 7 to 6 weekly (Previous: service suspension 06JAN26 – 18FEB26)

Newark – Athens 20NOV25 – 07MAR26 Routine seasonal service suspension (Previous: 20NOV25 – 04MAR26)
Newark – Barcelona Initially filed 767-400ER replaced by following aircraft:
25OCT25 – 01DEC25 787-10 (Previous: 777-200ER)
02DEC25 – 17DEC25 777-200ER
eff 12FEB26 787-9

Newark – Munich Initially filed 767-400ER replaced by following aircraft
25OCT25 – 01DEC25 777-200ER
02DEC25 – 11FEB25 167-seater 767-300ER (UA will continue to operate 1 daily flight 06JAN26 – 11FEB26, previously listed as seasonal suspension)
eff 08MAR26 167-seater 767-300ER

Newark – Paris Charles de Gaulle
26NOV25 – 06JAN26 14 weekly service maintained, instead of reduce to 11-12 weekly (except 09DEC25 – 17DEC25)
02DEC25 – 17DEC25 UA054/055 767-400ER replaces -300ER
18DEC25 – 05JAN26 UA057/056 787-10 replaces 777-200ER (Previously reported)
06JAN25 – 22FEB26 Reduce from 14 to 11 weekly (14 from 13FEB26, instead of 12)

Newark – Rome Fiumicino
* UA040/041
12FEB26 – 04MAR26 767-400ER service maintained, instead of previously filed 777-200ER
eff 08MAR26 787-9 replaces 767-400ER (Previous: eff 05MAR26)

* UA510/509 2nd daily service with 767-400ER operates until 01DEC25 (unchanged)

San Francisco – Frankfurt
* UA058/059 Initially filed 777-300ER replaces by following
25OCT25 – 11FEB26 787-9
eff 12FEB26 777-200ER

* UA926/927
eff 25OCT25 Increase from initially filed 5 weekly to 7 (Overall 14 weekly instead of 12)
06JAN26 – 11FEB26 Routine seasonal service suspension (Previous: 06JAN26 – 18FEB26)
12FEB26 – 04MAR26 787-9 replaces 777-200ER (Previous: 19FEB26 – 04MAR26)

San Francisco – Osaka Kansai 26JAN26 – 22FEB26 Routine seasonal reduction from 7 to 5 weekly, 777-200ER (Previous: 12JAN26 – 22FEB26)
San Francisco – Paris Charles de Gaulle
25OCT25 – 01DEC25 777-200ER replaces 787-8, 1 daily
06JAN26 – 18FEB26 Routine seasonal service suspension (Previously reported)

San Francisco – Seoul Incheon 27JAN26 – 23FEB26 Routing seasonal reduction from 14 to 12 weekly, 787-9 (Previous: 13JAN26 – 02FEB26)
San Francisco – Taipei Taoyuan 16JAN26 – 19FEB26 Routing seasonal reduction from 14 to 10 weekly, 777-200ER/-300ER (Previous: 18JAN26 – 12FEB26)
Washington Dulles – Barcelona
25OCT25 – 01DEC25 767-300ER service maintained, instead of previously filed -400ER
19DEC25 – 03MAR26 Service extended to year-round with 4 weekly 767-300ER scheduled during this period (Initially suspended)
eff 08MAR26 787-8 replaces initially filed -300ER (Previous: 767-400ER replaces -300ER)

Washington Dulles – Geneva
23DEC25 – 06JAN26 Increase from 6 to 7 weekly, 767-300ER
07JAN26 – 22FEB26 Planned increase from 5 to 6 weekly removed (recently updated)
24FEB26 – 27MAR26 Reduce from initially filed 7 weekly to 6 weekly

Washington Dulles – London Heathrow 1 of 2 daily UA924/925 aircraft changes
25OCT26 – 11FEB26 767-400ER replaces 767-300ER
12FEB26 – 04MAR26 203-seater 767-300ER replaces 167-seater
05MAR26 – 27MAR26 767-400ER replaces 767-300ER

Washington Dulles – Rome Fiumicino
18DEC25 – 10FEB26 767-300ER replaces -400ER (Previous: 06JAN26 – 04MAR26)
07JAN26 – 19FEB26 Reduce from 7 to 4 weekly

Washington Dulles – Paris Charles de Gaulle 25OCT25 – 01DEC25 777-200ER replaces 787-8

Previously reported changes:
Chicago O'Hare – Barcelona 1 daily service extends to 01DEC25, 787-8
Chicago O'Hare – Dublin eff 25OCT25 Seasonal service extends to year-round, 1 daily 767-300ER
Chicago O'Hare – Frankfurt 06JAN26 – 23FEB26 Reduce from 14 to 12 weekly, 787-10
Chicago O'Hare – London Heathrow eff 25OCT25 3rd daily 767-300ER service maintained
Chicago O'Hare – Milan Malpensa 1 daily service extends to 01DEC25, 787-8
Chicago O'Hare – Munich 12JAN26 – 22FEB26 Routing seasonal reduction from 7 to 6 weekly, 787-8
Chicago O'Hare – Paris CDG 25OCT25 – 05JAN26 787-10 replaces initially filed -8, 1 daily
Denver – Munich 06JAN26 – 18FEB26 Routine seasonal service suspension
Hong Kong – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi eff 26OCT25 1 daily 787-9 (Bangkok overall last served until March 2014. UA previously served this sector from April 1987 to April 1990 and from December 1998 to February 2000)
Hong Kong – Ho Chi Minh Cityeff 26OCT25 1 daily 787-9 (Last served until October 2016)
Houston – Buenos Aires Ezeiza 25OCT25 – 04MAR26 Increase from 10 to 14 weekly for most of NW25 (Previous: Increase from 10 to 14 weekly 01DEC25 – 04MAR26)
Houston – Medellin 02DEC25 – 05JAN26 Increase from 1 to 2 daily, 737 MAX 8
Houston – Munich
eff 25OCT25 777-200ER replaces initially filed 767-300ER, 5 weekly
05JAN26 – 18FEB26 Routine seasonal service suspension

Houston – Santiago de Chile eff 25OCT25 777-200ER replaces 767-300ER, 1 daily
Houston – Sydney 25OCT25 – 16DEC25 Increase from 3 to 7 weekly, 787-9 (7 weekly service now scheduled for entire NW25)
Houston – Tokyo Narita eff 25OCT25 787-9 replaces initially filed 777-200ER
Los Angeles – Hong Kong 06JAN26 – 12FEB26 14 weekly service maintained with 787-9, instead of initial reduction to 10 weekly
Newark – Amsterdam eff 02DEC25 767-400ER replaces 777-200ER, 1 daily
Newark – Cape Town eff 26OCT25 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, 787-9
Newark – Dublin
* UA023/022 25OCT25 – 05JAN26 777-200ER replaces 767-400ER (777-200ER now scheduled for entire season)
* UA317/318 eff 25OCT25 2nd daily service with 757-200 maintained, except 05JAN26 – 18FEB26

Newark – Frankfurt
* UA042/043 eff 25OCT25 777-300ER replaces initially filed 787-10, 1 daily
* UA074/075 18DEC25 – 20FEB26 4 weekly 767-300ER service suspended

Newark – Johannesburg eff 26OCT25 Reduce from 7 to 6 weekly, 787-9
Newark – London Heathrow eff 25OCT25 Eastbound daytime departure increases from 1 to 2 daily
Newark – Marrakech eff 25OCT25 Seasonal service increases from 3 to 4 weekly, 7 weekly 19DEC25 – 06JAN26. 767-300ER operating
Newark – Porto Extended operation to the 1 daily 757-200 service, operating during following periods in NW25: 25OCT25 – 30NOV25, 21FEB26 – 27MAR26
Newark – Tenerife South eff 18DEC25 Planned tentative service resumption with 3 weekly 757-200 cancelled. All future schedules have been removed
Newark – Tokyo Narita eff 25OCT25 787-9 replaces initially filed 777-200ER, 1 daily
Newark – Venice Marco Polo 1 daily 767-400ER service extends to 17DEC25
San Francisco – Adelaide eff 11DEC25 3 weekly 787-9, new route
San Francisco – Hong Kong eff 25OCT25 2 daily 777-300ER, replacing initially filed 1 daily each 777-200ER/-300ER
San Francisco – Manila eff 25OCT25 Increase from 1 to 2 daily, 777-300ER
San Francisco – Munich 06JAN26 – 23FEB26 Routine seasonal reduction from 7 to 6 weekly, 777-200ER
San Francisco – Papeete (Tahiti) eff 28OCT25 787-9 service maintained, replacing previously filed -8. Service scheduled 4 weekly in NW25
San Francisco – Sydney
* UA863/870 eff 25OCT25 777-200ER replaces initially filed -300ER, 1 daily
* UA829/830
eff 03DEC25 Seasonal service begins 2.5 weeks earlier than planned, scheduled until 25MAR26 (Previous: 19DEC25 – 04MAR26)
18DEC25 – 11FEB26 Increase from 3 weekly to 1 daily, 777-200ER

Tokyo Narita – Koror eff 29OCT25 2 weekly 737-800, new route
Washington Dulles – Accra 02DEC25 – 19JAN26 Increase from 5 to 7 weekly, 787-8 (Previous: 02DEC25 – 14FEB26)
Washington Dulles – Dublin 05JAN26 – 18FEB26 Routine seasonal service suspension
Washington Dulles – Edinburgh eff 25OCT25 Service extends to year-round, 5 weekly 757-200 scheduled in NW25 (Service suspended 05JAN26 – 18FEB26)
Washington Dulles – Frankfurt 12JAN26 – 22FEB26 Reduce from 14 to 13 weekly
Washington Dulles – Lagos 03DEC25 – 20JAN26 Increase from 4 to 6 weekly, 787-8 (Previous: Increase from 4 to 7 weekly 03DEC25 – 12FEB26)
Washington Dulles – Lisbon 05JAN26 – 18FEB26 Routine seasonal service suspension
Washington Dulles – Madrid
25OCT25 – 16DEC25 4 weekly 767-300ER (Previous: 1 daily 767-400ER 25OCT25 – 01DEC25)
eff 08MAR26 Service resumption, 4 weekly 767-300ER

Photo: Duncan Stewart

FLEET - United Airlines to lease more B737-9s

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) and Griffin Global Asset Management have announced a new long-term lease agreement for six B737-9s that were delivered over the course of April and May 2025.

It is the first time the carrier and the lessor have partnered. The ch-aviation database shows United Airlines added ten B737-9s during those two months. This is part of the company's overall fleet plan, which aims to increase the fleet size from 1,018 aircraft in the first quarter to 1,054 by the end of the year, including adding twenty-seven B737 MAX units.

The US carrier leases part of its fleet, from AerCap, Aero Capital Solutions, Aircastle, Aviation Capital Group, Aviator Capital, BOC Aviation, CALC, CDB Aviation, Macquarie AirFinance, ORIX Aviation, SkyWorks Leasing, and SMBC Aviation Capital.

United Airlines' fleet currently comprises eighty-one A319-100s, seventy-six A320-200s, thirty-seven A321-200NX, forty B737-700s, 141 B737-800s, 122 B737-8s, 103 B737-9s, twelve B737-900s, 136 B737-900ERs, forty B757-200s, twenty-one B757-300s, thirty-seven B767-300ERs, sixteen B767-400ERs, nineteen B777-200s, fifty-five B777-200ERs, twenty-two B777-300ERs, twenty-one B787-10s, twelve B787-8s, and forty-five B787-9s.

Photo: Duncan Stewart

CH Aviation

 

FLEET - United expects B737-10s in 2027-2028, might not be first

 

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) does not expect to take delivery of its first B737-10 before 2027 or 2028, due to uncertainty regarding the aircraft's certification, the CCO Andrew Nocella said on May 13, during the company's event in New York. As quoted by Reuters, Nocella announced that United Airlines might no longer be the first airline to introduce the biggest MAX variant to its fleet.

While the carrier waits for the delivery of B737-10s, it will continue taking smaller B737-9s as it aims to modernise its fleet. "We want to see the aircraft [B737-10] certified before we make the firm commitment to convert our -9s to -10s," Nocella said.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, United Airlines has unfulfilled orders for 165 B737-10, making it the largest customer for the type in the world. United Airlines' 2024 annual report reveals the airline was expecting to receive its first three B737-10s by the end of 2026.

The American carrier initially anticipated taking the first B737-10 in 2020. Due to the grounding of the MAX aircraft family and certification delays, both with B737-10 and smaller B737-7 variant, the delivery slipped into the second half of this decade.

The airline remains hopeful that Boeing will manage to overcome certification issues and deliver B737-10s. In January 2025, United's chief financial officer, Mike Leskinen, said the company is more bullish on the B737-10s as the manufacturer is improving its business.

United Airlines is already relying on the sizeable MAX fleet, with 118 B737-8s and ninety-nine B737-9s currently operating in its network.

The company finished the first quarter of 2025 with 209 MAX aircraft in its fleet—nine more than it previously anticipated in its investor update released on January 21, 2025. The American carrier has updated its aircraft delivery forecast for the second and third quarters, now expecting to receive more MAX jets than at the beginning of 2025.

Despite the improved outlook on new aircraft arrivals, the current delivery timeline is still below United's previous expectations. The company revealed that it had contractually agreed with Boeing to receive sixty-seven MAX jets in the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2025, but will only add twenty-seven aircraft. United Airlines is now looking to finish 2025 with 236 MAX family aircraft.

The carrier also changed its delivery timeline for the long-awaited A321-200NY(XLR)s. In its 2024 annual report, the airline noted it will add nine A321XLRs in 2026. However, the most recent quarterly update indicates that United Airlines will receive eight jets by the end of 2026. The company has fifty A321XLRs on order from Airbus.

CH Aviation

Photo: Duncan Stewart

ROUTES - UNITED REVISES 2Q25 A321NEO NETWORK EXPANSION – 06APR25 1 min

Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX
 

United in the second quarter of 2025 plans to add Airbus A321neo aircraft on Denver – Portland OR route, scheduled once a day from 22MAY25 to 25JUN25, 2 daily from 26JUN25 (frequency varies from 26JUN25 to 18AUG25).

Planned schedule for the period of 19AUG25 – 24SEP25 as follows.

UA644 DEN1121 – 1315PDX 32Q D
UA498 DEN1905 – 2049PDX 32Q D

UA459 PDX0515 – 0848DEN 32Q D
UA2254 PDX1240 – 1614DEN 32Q D

The carrier also recently revised planned Airbus A321neo network additions. As of 06APR25, following routes will also see A321neo operating (AeroRoutes’ previous report was published in early-February 2025. At the time, A321neo routes addition were filed until 18AUG25 inclusive).

Chicago O'Hare – Newark 26JUN25 – 24SEP25
Chicago O'Hare – Sacramento 22MAY25 – 24SEP25 (Previous: eff 26JUN25)
Chicago O'Hare – San Juan 22MAY25 – 24SEP25
Chicago O'Hare – Washington Dulles 22MAY25 – 18AUG25 (Previous: eff 26JUN25)


Denver – Fort Myers 26JUN25 – 24SEP25
Denver – Newark 26JUN25 – 24SEP25
Denver – Sacramento 22MAY25 – 24SEP25 (Previous: eff 26JUN25)
Denver – Tampa 26JUN25 – 18AUG25 (Previously scheduled as 1 weekly 13JAN25 – 10FEB25)
Denver – Washington Dulles 22MAY25 – 18AUG25 (Previous: eff 26JUN25)


Denver – Washington Reagan 22MAY25 – 18AUG25

FLEET - United Airlines eyes additional aircraft retirements in 2025

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) is expected to retire 21 aircraft early during 2025, as the company anticipates some softness in the market and prepares to implement a short-term response to new headwinds, according to chief executive Scott Kirby.

Speaking at a Barclays industrial event earlier this month, Kirby discussed the possibility of lower-than-expected profitability outlooks for the first quarter.

“We have seen government and some low-end consumer leisure weakness, which also appears consistent to me with a lot of other data that I look at [...]. You put all that together, and we now expect to be at the low end of our guidance range. So what do we do in response to that? At United, we looked at the situation and said, ‘Well, what we are doing is retiring 21 aircraft early. That is something that will be cash-positive this year’,” he said, noting that in 2024 the carrier had to spend USD100 million on engine overhauls.

United Airlines is retiring the “most expensive aircraft” in its fleet. However, Kirby did not disclose which types the company will be moving away from. ch-aviation reached out to the carrier for additional clarification but it declined to comment.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that United Airlines' mainline fleet comprises 1,010 aircraft, of which the oldest, on average, are the B767-300ERs (37 in total, averaging 29.1 years), followed by the B757-200s (40, 28.2 years), the B777-200s (19, 28.1 years), and the B737-700s (40, 26 years).

“We built a plan with optionality and flexibility that, if we see short-term headwinds, we can make short-term responses. And that step, the 21 aircraft, correlates to what we have seen,” Kirby added.

In parallel, United Airlines expects to receive 73 aircraft in 2025, including nine B787-9s, sixteen B737-8s, twenty-eight B737-9s, and twenty A321neos.

 CH Aviation

Photo: Duncan Stewart

ROUTES - UNITED NS25 INTERCONTINENTAL SERVICE CHANGES – 02MAR25

Photos: Duncan Stewart - LAX

The following is the latest summary of United’s intercontinental service changes for Northern summer 2025 season, as of 02MAR25. AeroRoutes’ previous summary report was published in late-December 2024. Recent adjustments previously not covered on AeroRoutes are highlighted with underline.

Chicago O'Hare – Athens 01MAY25 – 24SEP25 Seasonal service resumes with 1 daily 787-10, replacing -8 (Previous: 22MAY25 – 01SEP25)

Chicago O'Hare – Barcelona eff 21APR25 Seasonal service resumes on 21APR25 instead of 01MAY25, 1 daily 787-8 (787-10 now scheduled from 21APR25 to 30APR25)

Chicago O'Hare – Dublin eff 29MAR25 787-8 replaces 757-200, 1 daily

Chicago O'Hare – Milan Malpensa eff 07APR25 Seasonal service resumes from 07APR25 instead of 29MAR25, 1 daily 787-8

Chicago O'Hare – Munich eff 29MAR25 787-8 replaces -10, 1 daily

Chicago O'Hare – Paris Charles de Gaulle eff 29MAR25 787-10 replaces -8, 1 daily

Chicago O'Hare – Reykjavik Keflavik 19MAY25 – 23SEP25 Seasonal service resumes with 1 daily 757-200 (Previous: eff 22MAY25)

Chicago O'Hare – Shannon Seasonal 1 daily 757-200 service resumes from 22MAY25 to 23SEP25

Denver – Rome Fiumicino 01MAY25 – 24SEP25 1 daily 787-9, new route

Guam – Nagoya eff 02APR25 Reduce from 7 to 5 weekly, 737-800

Guam – Taipei Taoyuan eff 02APR25 2 weekly 737-800 (Last served by Continental on regular scheduled basis until 2005)

Guam – Tokyo Narita UA828/874 service operates 01AUG25 – 31AUG25 with 4 weekly 737-800, instead of 1 daily 737-800 for entire season (Overall reduces from 25 to 18 weekly 01APR25 – 31JUL25)
Houston – Amsterdam eff 29MAR25 1 daily 767-300ER service maintained, replacing 777-200ER

Houston – Georgetown eff 26JUN25 737-800 replaces MAX 8, 4 weekly (Previous: eff 01MAY25; Original: eff 31MAR25)

Houston – Medellin 
01JUN25 – 18AUG25 Increase from 1 to 2 daily, 737 MAX 8 (Previous: eff 22MAY25)
03SEP25 – 25SEP25 Planned seasonal reduction from 1 daily to 3 weekly reversed, 737 MAX 8

Houston – Munich eff 29MAR25 777-200ER replaces 767-300ER, 1 daily

Houston – Tokyo Narita eff 29MAR25 787-9 replaces 777-200ER, 1 daily

Los Angeles – Beijing Capital eff 01MAY25 3 weekly 787-9, new route

Los Angeles – London Heathrow eff 29MAR25 Reduce from 2 to 1 daily, 787-9
Newark – Athens 
* UA124/125 29MAR25 – 30APR25 767-400ER replaces 787-10 (Service resumes on 06MAR25 with 767-400ER instead of 29MAR25)

* UA116/117 eff 31MAR25 New 3 weekly flights with 767-300ER (Overall service increases from 7 to 10 weekly)

Newark – Barcelona eff 29MAR25 1 daily 777-200ER service maintained, replacing initially filed 767-400ER

Newark – Bilbao 31MAY25 – 23SEP25 3 weekly 757-200, new route
Newark – Brussels Seasonal 2nd daily UA618/619 with 757-200 operates from 26JUN25, instead of 29MAR25

Newark – Dubai eff 29MAR25 777-300ER replaces -200ER, 1 daily

Newark – Dubrovnik 
01MAY25 – 24SEP25 Seasonal service increase from 4 to 7 weekly, 767-400ER (Previous: 4 weekly from 23MAY25)

eff 25SEP25 Service extends to 24OCT25, 4 weekly 767-400ER scheduled during this period

Newark – Faro 16MAY25 – 22SEP25 4 weekly 757-200 (Previous: eff 22MAY25; This route was originally scheduled in 2024)

Newark – Frankfurt 
eff 29MAR25 UA042/043 replaces UA960/961, planned 777-300ER replaces 787-10 unchanged

eff 29MAR25 UA074/075 reduce from 7 to 4 weekly, 767-300ER (Overall reduce from 14 to 11 weekly)

Newark – Funchal 07JUN25 – 23SEP25 3 weekly 737 MAX 8, new route

Newark – Malaga Seasonal 1 daily 757-200 service resumes from 01MAY25 to 23SEP25

Newark – Milan Malpensa eff 29MAR25 777-200ER operates 1 daily (Previously reported as 767-400ER replaces 777-200ER 29MAR25 – 21MAY25)

Newark – Munich 22MAY25 – 24OCT25 777-200ER replaces 767-400ER, 1 daily (Previous: 777 operates until 01SEP25)

Newark – Naples 
03APR25 – 24SEP25 Seasonal 1 daily 767-300ER service operates from 03APR25, instead of 04APR25

eff 22MAY25 Seasonal 2nd daily now operates until 24OCT25, instead of 24SEP25. 767-300ER operating

Newark – Nuuk 14JUN25 – 23SEP25 2 weekly 737 MAX 8, new route

Newark – Palermo 21MAY25 – 24SEP25 3 weekly 767-400ER, new route

Newark – Paris Charles de Gaulle eff 21APR25 UA054/055 767-400ER replaces -300ER (except 02SEP25 – 24SEP25; Previous: 767-400ER operates 21APR25 – 30APR25)

Newark – Palma de Mallorca 
22MAY25 – 23SEP25 Seasonal service increase from 3 to 4 weekly, 767-400ER

25SEP25 – 23OCT25 Seasonal service extends to late-October, 3 weekly 767-400ER

Newark – Ponta Delgada
05JUN25 – 23SEP25 Seasonal service resumes from 05JUN25 instead of 06JUN25, 5 weekly 737 MAX 8

30JUN25 – 02SEP25 Increase from 5 to 7 weekly


Newark – Porto 22MAY25 – 23SEP25 Seasonal increase from 1 to 2 daily, 757-200 (Previously filed until end of schedule listing)
Newark – Reykjavik Keflavik 26JUN25 – 23SEP25 Seasonal service resumes from 26JUN25 instead of 22MAY25, 1 daily 757-200

Newark – Rome Fiumicino UA040/041 latest aircraft changes, 777-200ER replaced by following

22MAY25 – 01SEP25 777-300ER

25SEP25 – 24OCT25 787-10 (The 787-10 was previously scheduled from 29MAR25 to 30APR25)

Newark – Shannon eff 03APR25 Seasonal 1 daily 757-200 service resumes from 03APR25, instead of 11APR25

Newark – Stockholm Arlanda Seasonal service operates 05JUN25 – 31AUG25, 1 daily 757-200 (Previous: 04JUN25 – 31AUG25)

Newark – Tel Aviv eff 15MAR25 Service resumption, 1 daily 787-10 (2 daily from 29MAR25)

Newark – Tenerife South eff 02MAY25 3 weekly service cancelled during summer season

Newark – Tokyo Narita eff 29MAR25 787-9 replaces 777-200ER, 1 daily

Newark – Venice Marco Polo eff 29MAR25 Seasonal 1 daily 767-400ER service resumes from 29MAR25, instead of 18APR25

San Francisco – Auckland eff 29MAR25 3 weekly 777-200ER service maintained, replacing previously filed 787-9

San Francisco – Brisbane 
* 777-200ER service maintained, replacing previously filed 787-9

* Service increases from 4 weekly to 7 weekly during following periods: 29MAR25 – 02MAY25, eff 20SEP25

San Francisco – Frankfurt 02SEP25 – 24SEP25 1 daily each 777-200ER/-300ER maintained, instead of 2 daily -300ER

San Francisco – London Heathrow eff 01MAY25 UA930/939 787-9 replaces 777-200ER (Overall 2 daily each 777 and 1 daily 787)

San Francisco – Papeete (Tahiti) eff 29MAR25 787-9 replaces 787-8 in NW24, 5 weekly

San Francisco – Seoul Incheon eff 29MAR25 2 daily 787-9, replacing 1 daily each 777-200ER/787-9

San Francisco – Sydney 01MAY25 – 01SEP25 777-200ER replaces -300ER, 1 daily

San Francisco – Taipei Taoyuan 20SEP25 – 29SEP25 Reduce from 14 to 13 weekly

San Francisco – Tokyo Narita 02MAY25 – 01SEP25 777-300ER replaces -200ER, 1 daily

Tokyo Narita – Kaohsiung eff 11JUL25 1 daily 737-800 (UA last served Kaohsiung as Continental Micronesia October 1993 – April 1998)

Tokyo Narita – Koror Launch date and reservations remain unavailable, 2 weekly 737-800
Tokyo Narita – Ulaanbaatar eff 01MAY25 3 weekly 737-800, new route

Washington Dulles – Accra eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially planned 6 weekly to 5 weekly, 787-8 (This route was served 3 weekly in NS24)

Washington Dulles – Barcelona 22MAY25 – 30JUL25 787-8 replaces 767-300ER, 1 daily

Washington Dulles – Dakar eff 23MAY25 3 weekly 767-300ER, new route

Washington Dulles – Dublin eff 29MAR25 Increase from 1 to 2 daily, 757-200

Washington Dulles – Frankfurt 30MAR25 – 30APR25 1 of 2 daily UA932/933 787-8 replaces 777-200ER

Washington Dulles – Lagos eff 30MAR25 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, 787-8

Washington Dulles – Lisbon eff 04APR25 1 of 7 weekly 767-300ER replaces 767-400ER (Previous: 757-200)

Washington Dulles – London Heathrow eff 29MAR25 Reduction from 3 to 2 daily during NW24 has been extended into NS25. 2 daily 777-200ER

Washington Dulles – Nice 24MAY25 – 24SEP25 4 weekly 767-300ER, new route

Washington Dulles – Paris Charles de Gaulle eff 01MAY25 2nd daily UA330/331 767-400ER replaces -300ER (Previous: 22MAY25 – 01SEP25)

Washington Dulles – Rome Fiumicino

* UA884/885 29MAR25 – 21MAY25 767-400ER replaces 777-200ER (Previous: 01MAY25 – 21MAY25)

* UA126/127 767-400ER replaces -300ER during following periods: 24APR25 – 30APR25, 02SEP25 – 24SEP25 (Previous: 24APR25 – 30APR25 only)

Washington Dulles – Venice Marco Polo eff 22MAY25 1 daily 767-300ER (4 weekly from 26SEP25), new route

Washington Dulles – Zurich eff 04APR25 1 of 7 weekly 767-400ER replaces -300ER

 

ROUTES - UNITED ADDS SAN FRANCISCO – SAN JOSE (COSTA RICA) SERVICE FROM MAY 2025

United during Northern summer 2025 season plans to add new service to Costa Rica, subject to government approval. The Star Alliance member plans to operate San Francisco – San Jose (Costa Rica) route, on board 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The daily service will commence on 22MAY25, San Francisco departure.

UA2312 SFO2334 – 0715+1SJO 7M8 D
UA2313 SJO0845 – 1434SFO 7M8 D

Photo: Duncan Stewart