United Airlines is today putting its newest narrow body aircraft into service. I wanted to go over the details of what this plane means for United’s fleet, what the interiors are like, and what routes this plane will fly.
In this post:
United has 130 Airbus A321neos on order
United Airlines has a total of 130 Airbus A321neo aircraft on order. The airline initially ordered 60 of these jets, which are being delivered from 2023 through 2027, and then the airline recently increased the order by an additional 70 jets, which will be delivered from 2028 through 2030.
United took delivery of the first of these jets in October 2023, and it is now entering service. Interestingly, this is the first new Airbus jet that United has taken delivery of since 2002, so that’s quite a milestone.
The A321neo is an updated version of the A321, featuring better fuel economy and range. You can expect that United will use this plane primarily on domestic and short haul international flights, which are otherwise served by Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 family aircraft.
The A321neos are only one part of United’s domestic fleet renewal strategy, as the airline also has a total of roughly 550 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft on order, including the MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10.
These A321neos are separate from the 50 A321XLRs that United has on order, as this is an even longer range aircraft that will be used primarily for long haul flights. You can expect A321XLRs to feature business class and premium economy.
Details of United’s Airbus A321neo layout & seats
United Airlines’ A321neos feature 200 seats, including:
- 20 first class seats
- 57 extra legroom economy seats
- 123 economy seats
The bad news is that United is going for a really dense layout with these planes, and is really cramming in the seats. As a point of comparison, American’s A321neos feature 196, while Delta’s A321neos feature 194 seats.
The good news is that A321neos feature United’s newest cabin concepts, as the airline is in the process of modernizing its narrow body fleet. For example, A321neos feature the carrier’s all-new first class seats, with wireless charging and privacy dividers.
On top of that, you can expect personal televisions, power ports, bluetooth audio, and high speed Wi-Fi, for all passengers on the plane. The entertainment will be from Panasonic’s NEXT inflight entertainment system, offering 4K screens that are up to 13″.
The entire cabin also features new mood lighting, making this the nicest-looking United narrow body jet yet. Another cool change is that United will have a snack bar at the front of the economy cabin, which passengers can help themselves to.
United’s first Airbus A321neo routes
United Airlines is starting to fly its Airbus A321neos as of November 30, 2023, and the inaugural flight is taking place this afternoon from Houston (IAH) to Chicago (ORD). Fittingly, this will have the flight number UA321.
After the inaugural, you can expect United to primarily fly its A321neos out of Chicago (ORD), with initial destinations including Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), and Phoenix (PHX).
When you go to book your ticket on united.com, you’ll see the new aircraft type reflected on eligible routes.
Bottom line
United Airlines has 130 Airbus A321neos on order. The airline recently took delivery of its first A321neo, and the jet is entering service as of today.
The A321neos are in a dense layout, though at least have modern cabins, with United’s newest first class seats, plus personal entertainment and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft. Furthermore, they’ll have a snack bar at the front of economy, which is a new concept for the airline.
What do you make of United’s Airbus A321neos?
But, at least it doesn't involve a layover in ATL... Because... well, every Delta flight seemingly does. I know, they have other hubs... Somehow, Atlanta is the only one Delta ever seems to use (and sometimes MSP and DTW). Nothing against Delta, but, United has better "Cities" for hubs, Delta is more expensive, and always find Delta has long layovers that are out of the way for a LOT of the country. PHX to ORD...
But, at least it doesn't involve a layover in ATL... Because... well, every Delta flight seemingly does. I know, they have other hubs... Somehow, Atlanta is the only one Delta ever seems to use (and sometimes MSP and DTW). Nothing against Delta, but, United has better "Cities" for hubs, Delta is more expensive, and always find Delta has long layovers that are out of the way for a LOT of the country. PHX to ORD on Delta = 9+ hours somehow...And yes, I know they have other "hubs" but my routing (no matter where I'm going) never involves them, like ever. So to me, they don't exist.
UA recently renewed its pass travel benefit pkg with Frontier- user of the A-321-XLR.
With this new benefit to my F9 retirement pkg, I hope to, one again, fly on the airline I flew regularly during early 70s to 2008, when UA's flight benefit with Frontier was suspended. - Looking fwd to a United travel opportunity- jS 12.3.23
I was hoping United would fly their A321neos on transcontinental routes and from their western hubs to Hawaii just like Delta does. Maybe that will come later. Those are the kinds of routes where having seatback IFE would be the most useful. Those awful domestic 777s are still flying around and I don’t think United even has any plans to get rid of them or renovate them. United really needs to hurry up on getting...
I was hoping United would fly their A321neos on transcontinental routes and from their western hubs to Hawaii just like Delta does. Maybe that will come later. Those are the kinds of routes where having seatback IFE would be the most useful. Those awful domestic 777s are still flying around and I don’t think United even has any plans to get rid of them or renovate them. United really needs to hurry up on getting the new IFE cabins on their whole domestic fleet like they promised because a lot of those domestic narrowbodies are yuck.
Another narrow body jet with no room to stand anywhere. No thanks I don’t care who flies it. Narrow bodies suck.
Here's hoping my basic economy ticket has a better chance at a more legroom seat.
Can we all agree Tim Dunn is a nuisance to the blog? Good lord.
no, we can't.
We can agree that there are a handful of people that absolutely CANNOT stand that someone else knows more about the airline industry than they do and has no hesitation in speaking the truth.
Just think how this article could have turned out if about a half dozen people didn't go off the deep end when I ACCURATELY noted that United's CEO did, in fact, say that UAL could not order...
no, we can't.
We can agree that there are a handful of people that absolutely CANNOT stand that someone else knows more about the airline industry than they do and has no hesitation in speaking the truth.
Just think how this article could have turned out if about a half dozen people didn't go off the deep end when I ACCURATELY noted that United's CEO did, in fact, say that UAL could not order A321s years ago - the article is over 6 years old - because of American.
AA has operated the A321 the longest of the big 3, Delta managed to negotiate a deal to buy over 100 CEOs and then did an even bigger deal over time for NEOs.
Delta has the reputation for being the thriftiest, toughest negotiator and yet THEY managed to get A321s.
So, tell me again, why AA and then DL have fleets of A321s that are MUCH larger than UA.
Skift didn't buy Scott Kirby's excuse 6 years ago and no one should now.
And the article about United has turned into a discussion about me - all because of YOU AND YOUR ILK
Na we can. You’re a troll.
I agree. I imagine he’s some dude who sits in his mother’s basement, Delta merchandise and trinkets on shelves, just floating from blog to blog looking for ways to highlight DL’s greatness, in order to self-justify his irrational love affair, which he convinces himself (likely too embarrassed to otherwise admit the truth) is merely a fact-based objective analysis of a particular corporation’s performance. Of course, we all can see by the tenor and tone of...
I agree. I imagine he’s some dude who sits in his mother’s basement, Delta merchandise and trinkets on shelves, just floating from blog to blog looking for ways to highlight DL’s greatness, in order to self-justify his irrational love affair, which he convinces himself (likely too embarrassed to otherwise admit the truth) is merely a fact-based objective analysis of a particular corporation’s performance. Of course, we all can see by the tenor and tone of his comments that, while much of his analysis is indeed rooted in facts and sometimes (not always) decent observations, the overall pattern of his posts wreaks of a level of obsessiveness suggestive of someone who may need serious help.
It possible that Tim is on the autism spectrum, though, too. Obsessive and intense focus on one thing (DL) with much of his obsession actually rooted in detailed data and facts regarding industry performance, reminds me of how much my nephew (on the spectrum) is intently obsessed with animated movies, to the point of knowing how the various production houses are staffed and what kinds of technologies they use in their animations.
“Can we all agree Tim Dunn is a nuisance to the blog? Good lord.”
Yes. I’ve stopped reading daily. He’s driven me away. I stlll come here, but much less. He thinks he brings people here with his knowledge? HA!!!!
none of which changes that United's Scott Kirby said 6 years ago that United would not order the A321 because AA had most favored nation pricing and Scott Kirby didn't want American to benefit - so United waited for years longer than DL, which apparently was able to "work something out with Airbus" in order to add the A321.
The vitriol from the United supporters for anything negative that is said about United is so...
none of which changes that United's Scott Kirby said 6 years ago that United would not order the A321 because AA had most favored nation pricing and Scott Kirby didn't want American to benefit - so United waited for years longer than DL, which apparently was able to "work something out with Airbus" in order to add the A321.
The vitriol from the United supporters for anything negative that is said about United is so palpable that they can no longer hide it.
The A321 is a great plane; United just made excuses why it couldn't have it but other carriers including Delta and a number of low cost carriers figured out how to acquire it. The A321 is now, IIRC, the best selling commercial aircraft model ever. Boeing could only have wished that the 757 would have done so well.
Good for United finally acquiring the A321 but let's not forget how much of a headstart multiple other US airlines have had because they played their cards better than United.
The nutjobs that can't deal w/ my citation that Scott Kirby said that United could not order the A321 because of most favored nation pricing for AAL on that aircraft might do well to read Skift
Brian Sumers, Skift
October 4th, 2017 at 6:00 PM EDT
"We like United President Scott Kirby because he says what's on his mind. But something doesn't add up here. Is this the real reason United hasn't...
The nutjobs that can't deal w/ my citation that Scott Kirby said that United could not order the A321 because of most favored nation pricing for AAL on that aircraft might do well to read Skift
Brian Sumers, Skift
October 4th, 2017 at 6:00 PM EDT
"We like United President Scott Kirby because he says what's on his mind. But something doesn't add up here. Is this the real reason United hasn't placed a new order for the A320 family of jets?
"Airbus cannot give United Airlines a competitive price for new single-aisle aircraft because of a deal the manufacturer struck with American Airlines several years ago, United President Scott Kirby told employees recently in Los Angeles.
Aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia said the clauses rarely impede new deals. He said Airbus might get around the contact language by selling United a different variant of the same plane. Or, in some cases, when the new order is too important to lose, a manufacturer might send a check to the airline with the contractual right to price matching.
“It tells me he is probably asking for a pretty hefty discount,” Aboulafia said. “If you don’t want to spend the money, there’s always an excuse.”
-------------
Apparently, Kirby decided to pay what Airbus is asking for the A321NEO esp. since Boeing has yet to get the MAX 10 certified.
@Timm Dunn is trying so hard to be a relevant travel blogger, it’s not even funny. I’m surprised that he didn’t mention DL plans to fly to India once they get 7 new A350HGW’s next year in this article. He’s like that crazy uncle who just rambles on.
You seriously need help and can't stand that after 70 replies and all kinds of comments about how tight the UA configuration is, I explained the difference in exit configurations and lavs and why UA's configuration is not out of line w/ what AA and DL already have on their A321s. Someone - clearly w/ a brain - appreciated having that information.
but because you are so incapable of accepting that someone else might actually...
You seriously need help and can't stand that after 70 replies and all kinds of comments about how tight the UA configuration is, I explained the difference in exit configurations and lavs and why UA's configuration is not out of line w/ what AA and DL already have on their A321s. Someone - clearly w/ a brain - appreciated having that information.
but because you are so incapable of accepting that someone else might actually be capable of contributing something to a discussion which you are completely incapable of doing, you lash out.
and then some people actually interpreted what I said as something promoting Delta when, in fact, it is a justification of what UA is doing.
Seriously, get help.
Hahahahaha, DELULU. It’s amazing.
Those "first class" "seats" look like luxury church pews.
And once again UA screws the premium members by putting the lav RIGHT night to 7D. It should be configured BEHIND premium seating. This is copying the MAX layout and it's terrible.
The divider between seats in first seems useless (and possibly flimsy?). Hopefully catering will improve as UA invests in hard product.
It looks eerily similar to Turkish Air
@Ben, why do you keep letting one triggered person post as many comments as they wish? This review is about United Airlines and he has multiple comments. Gawd help us if the review is about Delta. On one recent Delta review, said person had TWENTY replies.
You clearly missed that the comparison was of ALL of the big 3 US legacy carriers which NOW operate the A321NEO in domestic configurations and will operate it in premium configuration.
Why are you so triggered about what other people do and incapable of reading what is actually written?
Seriously get help.
Seriously? Tim, you need help. Stop projecting.
(Time for Tim to fall back on his “if you can’t contribute, be quiet…”)
Airbus changed the exit configuration on the A321NEO and all of United's A321NEOs will have 4 overwing and 4 doors. Some of AA's 321NEOs were built before Airbus made the change so have more doors.
Airbus offers Spaceflex lavs on the A321NEO (as on other aircraft) and DL has them on their A321CEOs (2 on the back wall split w/ the galley) while DL's A321NEOs have 2 standard size lavs at the rear of...
Airbus changed the exit configuration on the A321NEO and all of United's A321NEOs will have 4 overwing and 4 doors. Some of AA's 321NEOs were built before Airbus made the change so have more doors.
Airbus offers Spaceflex lavs on the A321NEO (as on other aircraft) and DL has them on their A321CEOs (2 on the back wall split w/ the galley) while DL's A321NEOs have 2 standard size lavs at the rear of the cabin but forward of the rear galley.
UA just took every option to maximize cabin space but the US3 will have similar configurations on their standard domestic configured A321NEOs.
The real difference will be what they do with their premium configured A321NEOs which will be used on some transcon plus some international routes.
Thanks for the exit config explanation. Was wondering why ITA's A321neo had only 4 doors, thought maybe it was because of the premium config.
Speaking of the A321neo, you should've included CXs in your upcoming trip report since you're headed that way anyway!
I'm not sure an Airbus A321neo with 200 seats crammed into it can be called "swanky". LOL
Not to say that United is a great airline overall (though I do think they’re on a positive track in my relatively recent experiences) but I do think their cabins are much more aesthetically pleasing that AA or DL’s.
This looks like a pretty solid offering hard product-wise.
Interesting (and nice) to see they have added IFE screens. I flew on a new UA 737-9 MAX and the onboard wifi based entertainment system kept crashing and booting me out multiple times, and didn't have much selection. I'll take this any day.
The newest United 737 MAX 9s have the new interiors with seatback IFE screens. The older ones don't.
is it just me or the screens in economy appear slight larger? maybe it's just the pictures
When you compare this A321 with the layout of the Qatar premium version (with lie flat seats) you have to realize that this is an inferior airplane only worth flying for less than 3 hours if anything else is available.
United is a public company that has to run a profitable business and Qatar is a government subsidized entity so it is hard to compare.
@jack
And his obsession with doors in buisness class
"On top of that, you can expect personal televisions, power ports..."
Will those be USB A or C or both?
FWIW, I have never heard of C until last spring when I got an Avis rental at SYR with both.
I saw photos elsewhere that both USB A and C are offered in Economy (under the monitor) as well as normal AC power (under seat). In First, I only saw USB-C and AC Power (in one jack on the side), but maybe A is located somewhere else.
Both A and C.
When are US airlines going to stop referring to their rather mediocre short-haul business class product as "first class"?
As soon as they replace it with an economy product with blocked middle seats.
200 seats is not bad at all,I weigh 320
and i could fit on Frontier's 240 seat A321NEO
You must be short then. I am 6'8" and even "extra legroom" seats are not enough.
Really they don’t need to go so far. Install pens and serve booze. The average American is basically a simple creature and not one that really understands sophistication or quality. No amount of aesthetic upgrades will sort out the miserable experience that is United - basically an expensive LCC.
Route selection for this plane is going to be interesting in that UA is getting a whole new aircraft type with a plane that is just a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitle bit bigger and has just a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitle bit more range than the 737 MAX 10.
I assumed UA would use the A321ceo on the p.s. routes and use that extra capacity for better premium service.
There isn't anything remarkable about the initial routes. They probably have...
Route selection for this plane is going to be interesting in that UA is getting a whole new aircraft type with a plane that is just a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitle bit bigger and has just a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitle bit more range than the 737 MAX 10.
I assumed UA would use the A321ceo on the p.s. routes and use that extra capacity for better premium service.
There isn't anything remarkable about the initial routes. They probably have more to do with getting the planes back to ORD every night for maintenance and familiarization by the mechanics.
I think United's standard A321NEO's are without any ACT's, so the 737MAX-10 actually has more range. If they have one ACT, the range is about the same as the 737MAX-10. Unless you get 2 ACT's or the LR or XKR version, the 737MAX-10 is as good or better in range than the A321NEO. I don't know why this myth persists.
Unfortunately, United's first class domestic catering is disappointing.
I hope United will consider bringing back the pre-merger Continental menus to domestic first class (and international business class).
There are no plans to bring back anything Continental wise.
Sad because CO was amazing in the catering department...among other excellent traits. Miss them so much.
LOL, keep wishing and hoping! That was over a decade ago! I laughed out loud when I read this.
Catering is their weakest game....They should now perfect on that
that's because they outsourced it when their inhouse catering tried to unionize.
Good for United. The unions are getting out of control and extra insane these days. No functioning business can support 40% raises overnight across the board. Something has to give.
Over the years the unions have had smaller percentage salary increases than the non-union executive C-suite positions. So who's really getting out of control?
Eh. It looks fine I guess. But United is way late to the A321 game, and late still on the NEO. Their competitors have been operating these jets for years already…
It’s giving “come try a jet you’ve probably already flown on, but with the subpar food and service you’ve come to expect from United!”
Hard to really be excited…
How in the world did they get 200 seats on a neo with that much "extra" legroom
Right? It must bebm what their "definition" of each class is. I would venture to guess each class has 1-2" less than competitors to get those extra rows in.
I was trying to figure that out and I think it’s the placement of the third economy bathroom. Aa places it by the exit door and it’s a “full” bathroom . United (kind of weirdly to me) put it right behind the first class last row and it appears to be space flex toilet. The aa NEOs have an absurd amount of leg room by the mid economy exit row toilet whereas United would probably...
I was trying to figure that out and I think it’s the placement of the third economy bathroom. Aa places it by the exit door and it’s a “full” bathroom . United (kind of weirdly to me) put it right behind the first class last row and it appears to be space flex toilet. The aa NEOs have an absurd amount of leg room by the mid economy exit row toilet whereas United would probably get away with the min required exit row space and keep that extra room for another row and extra seat where aa only has two seats by that mid toilet
Only a guess just looking at the seat map though. Could be wrong
I'm glad to read articles/news of UA purchasing new equipment and *trying* to offer a better product. The first class seat looks great. Nice, clean aircraft that the passengers and crew can be proud of and enjoy are essential.
I just wish they would invest some money in Domestic F & Polaris meals. I can get a better meal from a vending machine (Farmer's Fridge) than any of the rubbish UA serves currently...
just think how many A321s UA could have Scott Kirby wasn't convinced that getting the best price meant paying AA a "commission" for undercutting AA.
Of maybe it really is true which is why Delta was able to negotiate a lower price by negotiating an engine overhaul deal on its Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbofan engines so that DL now will have the lowest ownership and maintenance costs on its A321NEOs.
And since UA is...
just think how many A321s UA could have Scott Kirby wasn't convinced that getting the best price meant paying AA a "commission" for undercutting AA.
Of maybe it really is true which is why Delta was able to negotiate a lower price by negotiating an engine overhaul deal on its Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbofan engines so that DL now will have the lowest ownership and maintenance costs on its A321NEOs.
And since UA is buying GTFs for its A321NEOs in part as compensation from P&W for the costs of grounding its ancient 777As, UA (along w/ B6 and NK) will now be paying DL to overhaul its A321NEOs.
The circle of life is so fun to watch
You really need psychiatric help
because I accurately noted that Scott Kirby said for years after coming to United that UA could not order the A321 because AA had managed to negotiate the best price and if UA ordered it and undercut AA's price, UA would have to pay a fee to AA?
I have no idea if that is true but DL obviously managed to order hundreds of A321s and A321NEOs and got the engine maintenance contract from...
because I accurately noted that Scott Kirby said for years after coming to United that UA could not order the A321 because AA had managed to negotiate the best price and if UA ordered it and undercut AA's price, UA would have to pay a fee to AA?
I have no idea if that is true but DL obviously managed to order hundreds of A321s and A321NEOs and got the engine maintenance contract from Pratt and Whitney for the GTF.
UA chose the GTF in part because of compensation from Pratt for grounding the engines on the 777A.
So, either UA paid AA the fee, Scott Kirby was wrong, the agreement between AA and Airbus expired, but UA will end up paying DL directly or indirectly for engine overhauls on its A321NEO fleet?
No, I can simply connect dots that others cannot.
those that don't understand business or aviation business and trash someone that does understand things are the ones that need help
Tim,
once again you show you don't understand legal issues. You look down on people who call you out, but never accept when you are wrong.
The contract between AA and Airbus had a MFN (most-favored nation) clause. Airbus has to give AA the best price. If it doesn't (meaning it gives UA a better price) then Airbus owes AA the difference between what AA paid and what UA paid. But UA is not a...
Tim,
once again you show you don't understand legal issues. You look down on people who call you out, but never accept when you are wrong.
The contract between AA and Airbus had a MFN (most-favored nation) clause. Airbus has to give AA the best price. If it doesn't (meaning it gives UA a better price) then Airbus owes AA the difference between what AA paid and what UA paid. But UA is not a party to the contract and there is no legal basis under which UA would pay AA anything.
Kirby's claim is that Airbus would not offer UA "competitive" pricing because it did not want to have to pay AA the MFN penalty. MFN clauses generally have expiration dates - as you point out that "deal" probably expired. But the reality is that UA could have ordered the A321s at any point. DL did - so either Airbus paid a MFN penalty to AA, or more likely, DL paid the same as AA did.
Make sure the dots you are connecting are actually dots.
If you read what I wrote, I specifically noted multiple scenarios including that the MFN (although I didn't use that term) expired.
DL did buy A321s so they obviously didn't feel a need at the least to undercut AA's price but actually will because of its engine maintenance contracts that will actually mean that other airlines will subsidize DL.
So, once again, you argue trying to prove me wrong when I specifically noted...
If you read what I wrote, I specifically noted multiple scenarios including that the MFN (although I didn't use that term) expired.
DL did buy A321s so they obviously didn't feel a need at the least to undercut AA's price but actually will because of its engine maintenance contracts that will actually mean that other airlines will subsidize DL.
So, once again, you argue trying to prove me wrong when I specifically noted exactly what you said happened as one of the possibilities. Since neither UA or Airbus said the AA MFN expired, I cannot know why UA finally signed.
And again, DL didn't feel a need to undercut AA's pricing and will have hundreds of A321s in service by the time UA gets its first.
Tim, you do have a fascination with Delta that is a bit unhealthy. Why do you need to post about Delta on a post that was entirely about United and the A321?
I point out again that UA would never had to pay AA anything. Again, you fail to address issues on which you are wrong. You say you noted "exactly" what the possibilities were - but no way, ever, was UA going to pay AA a dime. You were wrong.
multiple other people have noted that UA is quite a bit late to the game.
As a student of airline history, I accurately noted that UA said that it could not sign an agreement w/ Airbus to undercut AA on A321 pricing so they did not order the A321.
I accurately noted that in the time UA made excuses about not ordering the A321, DL did, will have hundreds of A321s in service...
multiple other people have noted that UA is quite a bit late to the game.
As a student of airline history, I accurately noted that UA said that it could not sign an agreement w/ Airbus to undercut AA on A321 pricing so they did not order the A321.
I accurately noted that in the time UA made excuses about not ordering the A321, DL did, will have hundreds of A321s in service and more on order so obviously DL was able to overcome whatever obstacle UA found.
Add in that DL got the Pratt engine contract for the GTF and every airline that orders GTFs will essentially be partially subsidizing DL's A321NEO fleet - DL won't be the only GTF overhaul shop but they will operate enough capacity to do more than their own overhauls - and Pratt is guaranteeing DL a certain amount of volume above DL's own needs.
Other people accurately noted that UA is late to the game, I explained why, others made minor corrections to what I wrote, and then you and others get upset when I accurately point out that DL outstrategized UA in yet another area of business.
There is no unhealthy obsession w/ anything. There is a willingness to say things that you and others simply don't want to hear because it highlights that UA isn't really as far forward as you, other fans and their execs think and position themselves
Maybe if someone for example, worked for a particular airline they are more likely to know more about the industry and therefore their company than any idiot like you who probably never stepped foot outside their country and believe trump is the best president ever.
I wouldn't be bragging about those P&W engines just yet.
nobody is bragging about them.
But the choice was for United to pass on any compensation credits from P&W for the 777A issues or to order their A321NEOs with the GTF.
The new engines don't have the problems anyway.
The issue is that P&W has to divert a certain amount of production to fixing older engines which could lead to delays.
And Delta will get a certain amount of revenue for...
nobody is bragging about them.
But the choice was for United to pass on any compensation credits from P&W for the 777A issues or to order their A321NEOs with the GTF.
The new engines don't have the problems anyway.
The issue is that P&W has to divert a certain amount of production to fixing older engines which could lead to delays.
And Delta will get a certain amount of revenue for fixing early GTF engines including from Spirit.
And, in case you missed it, the FAA is proposing that GE engines including the LEAP be urgently inspected.
Not one of the 3 engine makers is delivering flawless products. New engine technology is pushing metals and processes beyond what they have ever done before.
Out of curiosity, why do you always bring up the “ancient 777” when discussing anything United? Isn’t half of Delta’s long haul fleet the same age?
Asking for a friend…
"World Traveler", er... Tim,
Again, you offer no evidence that anything you assert is accurate. I realize that you apparently believe that Delta is the world's only PERFECT airline, so I guess(note that I'm guessing, not claiming anything as factual) that you feel that relieves you from providing evidence to back up your points.
I would suggest you go back and review UAL's earnings call transcripts after Scott Kirby arrived.
He most certainly said that UAL would not buy A321s because of the pricing which AAL got.
whether that agreement changed or not doesn't mean it wasn't true at one time.
The fact that you don't know how nuclear fusion works doesn't mean it doesn't or can't happen.
I am so excited for these to arrive! Honestly, I think United should have ordered 100 A321 Neo's rather than 70, and should have ordered 30 A321 XLR's (20 less than ordered)
Once United gets its hands on these, they are really going to start seeing the economic benefit of them. I think United should really focus these planes on Chicago and Newark.
Out of Newark, United is so heavily utilizing their 737-800's...
I am so excited for these to arrive! Honestly, I think United should have ordered 100 A321 Neo's rather than 70, and should have ordered 30 A321 XLR's (20 less than ordered)
Once United gets its hands on these, they are really going to start seeing the economic benefit of them. I think United should really focus these planes on Chicago and Newark.
Out of Newark, United is so heavily utilizing their 737-800's which only seat 166 on their most popular routes (Florida) while Delta almost exclusively uses the 321 out of LGA on these same routes. If the United can get the 321 neo on these routes, they will increase the gauge significantly without adding congestion to the runway and improve yield. We are talking about potentially 20-30 more seats per plane, this order has huge implications for United!
If United really wanted more space on those 800 flights they would just give them a 900
With UA limiting the number of flights from EWR after this past summer's meltdown, I'm sure we will see larger aircraft on many routes out of EWR, including the new A321neos. They would be great for the Florida routes.
I do think UA will find a way to use the 50 A321XLRs it has on order. UA can use them for transatlantic flights from both Newark and Dulles, as well as flights to Latin...
With UA limiting the number of flights from EWR after this past summer's meltdown, I'm sure we will see larger aircraft on many routes out of EWR, including the new A321neos. They would be great for the Florida routes.
I do think UA will find a way to use the 50 A321XLRs it has on order. UA can use them for transatlantic flights from both Newark and Dulles, as well as flights to Latin America from Houston (and other hubs as well). Or maybe UA placed an order for 50 to reserve the delivery slots, and it may change a part of that order to regular A321neos down the line if it doesn't see a need for 50 XLRs.
57 vs 42 extra legroom seats, 35% more than Delta vapor ware
UNITED rising
United has more premium seats on most of its planes than Delta and yet Delta generates more revenue including only passenger revenue than United. Passengers obviously consider Delta to be superior.
DL has fortress hubs that allows them to charge higher domestic fares. The substandard hubs don’t work as well for international flights, but domestically they charge more.
History has proven multiple times that people don’t pay a premium for a minor, if any, difference in product.
DL’s revenue premium also comes from the simple fact of having more passengers and more planes. The difference is shrinking as UA takes on hundreds of new...
DL has fortress hubs that allows them to charge higher domestic fares. The substandard hubs don’t work as well for international flights, but domestically they charge more.
History has proven multiple times that people don’t pay a premium for a minor, if any, difference in product.
DL’s revenue premium also comes from the simple fact of having more passengers and more planes. The difference is shrinking as UA takes on hundreds of new planes, and then will expand again, this time with UA in the lead.
except Delta gets more revenue so the hubs clearly aren't substandard.
And Delta is the largest airline in NYC and LAX, which hardly seem like substandard cities
The myth of United growing faster is just to throw opiates to the masses.
Delta has as many aircraft on order and option as United when adjusted for the far fewer regional jets which Delta has in addition to Delta's younger fleet.
UA could use...
except Delta gets more revenue so the hubs clearly aren't substandard.
And Delta is the largest airline in NYC and LAX, which hardly seem like substandard cities
The myth of United growing faster is just to throw opiates to the masses.
Delta has as many aircraft on order and option as United when adjusted for the far fewer regional jets which Delta has in addition to Delta's younger fleet.
UA could use the entirety of its remaining 787s on order to replace 777s and still have a less fuel efficient widebody fleet than Delta.
And in case you want to throw out the 767 argument, Delta's 767 fleet is only about 10 aircraft larger than UA's and Delta is reportedly using a chunk of its new A321NEOs and A330-900s due for delivery in the next year to start replacing its 767-300ER fleet - which will put DL and UA at almost identical numbers of 767s, or at least of the same vintage.
The US domestic airline industry was deregulated 45 years ago. Delta gained all of its hubs except for ATL either through mergers or organic internal growth in those 45 years.
United could have done the same which means, if you believe what you wrote, that Delta has outstrategized United.
And since DL and UA's own data provided to the DOT shows that Delta's international network has been more profitable, clearly UA's larger international size...
The US domestic airline industry was deregulated 45 years ago. Delta gained all of its hubs except for ATL either through mergers or organic internal growth in those 45 years.
United could have done the same which means, if you believe what you wrote, that Delta has outstrategized United.
And since DL and UA's own data provided to the DOT shows that Delta's international network has been more profitable, clearly UA's larger international size hasn't dropped to the bottom line.
Again
You need professional help
Your weird obsession with delta is a mental disorder
you do realize my reply is to the comment
"57 vs 42 extra legroom seats, 35% more than Delta vapor ware
UNITED rising"
what is with the instrument measuring contest from United execs themselves and with its fan club
I just happen to know the irrefutable facts and can counter them.
Start w/ telling United execs to lay off their incessant need to compare themselves to everyone else and just deliver the best results...
you do realize my reply is to the comment
"57 vs 42 extra legroom seats, 35% more than Delta vapor ware
UNITED rising"
what is with the instrument measuring contest from United execs themselves and with its fan club
I just happen to know the irrefutable facts and can counter them.
Start w/ telling United execs to lay off their incessant need to compare themselves to everyone else and just deliver the best results in every metric - not just how much carbon they spew around the globe.
I agree Jake. Also, UA has more capacity with aircraft and pilots. Delta shrinked too much during covid.
you don't get it.
DL is actually adding more capacity AND getting more revenue for it than UA or AA. You need only look at the last quarter's financial results to see it.
DL has more than replaced the capacity it retired and has more widebody aircraft due for delivery over the next 2 years than UA.
DL acquired a bunch of used 737s which are still being put in service and...
you don't get it.
DL is actually adding more capacity AND getting more revenue for it than UA or AA. You need only look at the last quarter's financial results to see it.
DL has more than replaced the capacity it retired and has more widebody aircraft due for delivery over the next 2 years than UA.
DL acquired a bunch of used 737s which are still being put in service and is reactivating 717s which is allowing DL to add more airplanes than United because of Boeing's delivery delays.
The point is that United has long made claims compared to other carriers that were relatively meaningless - such as first to fly to all 50 states (which lasted for months) and still doesn't achieve superiority in the real business metrics that matter such as revenue and profits.
I don't need help but you might ask UA execs and their finds why they feel a need to incessantly compare themselves to others and not achieve their goals
You all care way too much about corporations that do not care at all about you.
I don't "care" about companies - I do track their actions.
And I recognize that the decisions that happen in boardrooms and executive offices impact everything that people here "care" about including numbers and types of airplanes, routes, and products and services.
UA is the last of a number of US airlines to fly the A320NEO family in the US. Good on them for joining the crowd.
It will be more significant when...
I don't "care" about companies - I do track their actions.
And I recognize that the decisions that happen in boardrooms and executive offices impact everything that people here "care" about including numbers and types of airplanes, routes, and products and services.
UA is the last of a number of US airlines to fly the A320NEO family in the US. Good on them for joining the crowd.
It will be more significant when UA puts the 737MAX 10 into service and far less so when other airlines, including DL join the MAX10 bandwagon.
Shut up Timmy. Gosh, You are literally a buzz kill.
He's just doing his job.
Row 23-26 D-E-F shows as economy plus but the seat map doesn’t look like here is any extra pitch.
All of these routes would have been (and perhaps some still are) operated by 757s in the past. While those would have had 24F, I believe the capacity and comfort overall may have been similar.
I flew an F9 A321 LAS-ORD a couple years ago - IIRC that plane was dense, with an all-Y 230 pax configuration. Still, even as a redeye that was fine and perfectly comfortable. No onboard amenities or service like UA has, though.
What does the A321NEO offer that the MAX family does not? I understand the mission profile for the XLR, but why a 70 airframe sub fleet against 550+ 737 fleet. Reminds me of the UA A319/A320 order back in the day.
could have to do with Pilot usage. Untied currently is retiring the aging 320 fleet. Would be very costly to retrain the Airbus captains.
It has commonality with the XLRs, and it’s not like there is MAX alternative to the XLRs. Also probably helped put a bit of piecing pressure on Boeing, by showing their willingness to buy NEOs rather than just XLRs, where Boeing can’t offer a alternative. Finally they offer a bit more capacity than the MAX-10s, good for replacing the 757s on domestic routes.
remember that uniteds 757 fleet is going to be retired by the end of the decade. they need a replacement for the longhaul narrowbody routes the 75 currently operates like ewr-edi and ewr-lim
They could also be looking for delivery slots that Boeing did not have for larger aircraft. And I would assume that the fleet acquisitions team at united was hedging their bets that the -10 could be delayed.
Aside from higher and wider inside cabin dimensions of the 321, how about a better safety record than the Max? Not to mention better engineering and aero-dynamics than the Max, which Boeing claims they have overcome with software. The MAX is just a 60+ year old airframe/design, albeit with bigger engines and tricked out aviation software.
737MAX has a more efficient modern wing than the 321NEO, more misinformation. For most routes 737MAX is more efficient than A321NEO. Only on long routes is the A321NEO more efficient due to the limited diameter of the 737MAX fan due to the short landing gear.
how about a wider cabin? all 737's are still 8" narrower at your shoulder than ANY Airbus. next time you sit next to someone 'wider' than you you'll appreciate it!
I'll believe it when I see it.