United Replaces A350-1000 With -900 Series

United Replaces A350-1000 With -900 Series

United Replaces A350-1000 With -900 Series. US major airlines has modified and added an existing order for Airbus A350s, bringing the new order total to 45 A350-900s instead of a previous order for 35 of the larger A350-1000.

The extension of the order brings the value of the agreement to just over USD 14 billion at catalog prices. The A350s will be delivered between late 2022 and 2027.

United, who said the A350-900 was a better fit and size for its network, will use the aircraft to replace Boeing 777-200ERs as they reach their retirement age from 2022.

"Over the past year, United has done a complete overhaul to ensure we have the right long-term fleet strategy, and it was clear that the A350 aligns with our replacement needs and our network," said Andrew Levy, CFO. "The combination of range performance and efficiency make the A350 an attractive aircraft for United."

United placed an initial order for A350-900s at the end of 2009, with a firm order for 25 following in March 2010, and entry into service scheduled for 2016.

At the Paris Air Show 2013, United and Airbus announced a change in the order of 25 -900s to 35 of the larger A350-1000 and a later delivery later. The announcement of Wednesday adds another 10 aircraft and changes the order to the 320 seats A350-900.