United places $4.2 billion order for 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
26 Feb 2010
United Airlines, one of the world's largest, has said it has finalized a firm order for 25 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, including options for another 50 of these futuristic aircraft. At list prices, the deal would be valued at $4.2 billion.
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| Boeing 787 Dreamliner |
The announcement follows up on an earlier announcement, made last year December, when the Chicago-headquartered carrier announced plans to also place orders for 25 Airbus A350XWBs and also place options for another 50.
The decision to place two separate orders was taken after a rigorous, six-month request for proposal process, the carrier had said. According to United, ''The breadth in size and capabilities of the different aircraft models ensure the company has the right aircraft for the right market throughout the fleet replacement cycle.''
The 50 new aircraft will reduce the average seat count by about 19 per cent, compared to the aircraft they will replace, and by about 10 per cent across the entire international fleet.
The carrier estimates that the new aircraft will allow total fuel-burn savings by about 33 per cent and maintenance cost savings by about 40 per cent per available seat mile.
With the confirmation of the order from United, Boeing now has firm orders for 876 Dreamliners from 57 customers.
