United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, is already the largest airline in the world by fleet size, with over 1,000 active aircraft. However, the airline is not resting on its laurels. As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its fleet, United has made firm commitments to welcome 135 new aircraft in 2025, a move that will significantly enhance its operational capacity and reshape its network of domestic and international routes. This fleet expansion is a pivotal part of United’s strategy, known as United Next, which aims to replace older, less efficient models with newer, more advanced planes, offering passengers greater comfort and fuel efficiency while ensuring the airline maintains a competitive edge in the industry.
The Context: United’s Growing Fleet and ‘United Next’
The United Next program, which was first unveiled in 2021, is designed to transform United Airlines’ fleet by modernizing its aircraft, improving sustainability, and offering better overall passenger experiences. The airline has committed to taking delivery of hundreds of new aircraft over the next decade, and 2025 will be a particularly significant year. With the addition of 135 new aircraft, United is set to reinforce its position as an industry leader in both domestic and international travel.
This expansion is particularly important given the challenges faced by airlines during the pandemic and the subsequent recovery phase. United has been aggressive in its recovery strategy, and its investment in fleet renewal is key to meeting both the rising demand for air travel and the evolving expectations of passengers. The new fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 737 MAX, and Airbus A321neo will revolutionize travel, not only in terms of capacity but also in terms of efficiency, environmental impact, and passenger comfort.
Narrowbody Aircraft: The Backbone of United’s Domestic Operations
Among the 135 new aircraft United is set to welcome in 2025, a large portion will be narrowbody aircraft, primarily from Boeing and Airbus. These aircraft will replace the airline’s aging Boeing 737-700 and Airbus A320 fleets, which have been in service for many years and are starting to show signs of wear and tear.
United has committed to receiving 84 new Boeing 737s in 2025, consisting of a mix of the 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9 variants. Specifically, the airline is set to take delivery of 16 MAX 8s and 68 MAX 9s. The 737 MAX 9, in particular, has already become a workhorse for United, with the airline being the largest operator of this variant in the world, with over 90 MAX 9s already in service. The 737 MAX series, which has undergone extensive redesigns and safety upgrades, will replace older models and offer greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, which is crucial for staying competitive in the ultra-competitive domestic market.
In addition to the Boeing aircraft, United will also take delivery of 23 Airbus A321neo jets in 2025. The A321neo is a high-performance narrowbody aircraft that is particularly suited for long-haul routes that would traditionally require a widebody plane. With improved fuel efficiency and range, the A321neo can operate on slimmed-down long-haul routes that were previously unfeasible with narrowbody aircraft. United’s A321neo will likely be deployed on routes such as Washington D.C. to Marrakesh or Denver to Barcelona, expanding the airline’s reach to new destinations without the need for widebody aircraft.
Interestingly, Boeing 737 MAX 10s, which have been generating a lot of buzz in the aviation industry, are not expected to join United’s fleet until 2026. However, the airline plans to be the launch customer once the aircraft is certified, which will allow it to further expand its capacity on high-demand domestic and international routes.
Widebody Aircraft: Expanding Global Reach with the Boeing 787
While narrowbody aircraft dominate United’s domestic fleet, widebody aircraft are the key to the airline’s long-haul network. United is set to receive 28 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners in 2025, continuing to build on its commitment to a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly fleet. The Boeing 787 series is renowned for its fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and passenger comfort, making it an ideal aircraft for long-haul flights.
The Dreamliner will replace a number of older widebody aircraft in United’s fleet, including the Boeing 767-300ER, 767-400ER, and Boeing 777-200ER variants. United is also in the process of phasing out its older Boeing 777-200 and 777-300ER aircraft in favor of newer, more fuel-efficient models like the 787-9 and 787-10. As of April 2025, United operates the following widebody aircraft:
-
Boeing 767-300ER: 37 units
-
Boeing 767-400ER: 16 units
-
Boeing 777-200: 19 units
-
Boeing 777-200ER: 55 units
-
Boeing 777-300ER: 22 units
-
Boeing 787-8: 12 units
-
Boeing 787-9: 43 units
-
Boeing 787-10: 21 units
The introduction of 28 new 787s in 2025 will allow United to expand its international reach while reducing the carbon footprint of its operations. The 787 is known for its fuel efficiency—approximately 20% more efficient than the aircraft it replaces—thanks to its advanced materials and aerodynamics. This means that United will be able to operate more routes at a lower environmental cost, a key factor as the airline works to meet its sustainability goals.
United is also looking ahead to the future with its order of 45 Airbus A350-900s. Although deliveries of this aircraft have been pushed back to 2030, it is clear that United is planning for the next generation of widebody aircraft to further replace its aging Boeing 777-200ER fleet, which currently serves many international routes.
The Big Picture: United Airlines’ Strategic Direction
United’s decision to add 135 new aircraft in 2025 is part of a larger strategy to ensure the airline remains a global leader in the aviation industry. The combination of Boeing 787s, Boeing 737 MAXs, and Airbus A321neos will provide United with the flexibility to operate a diverse range of routes, from short domestic hops to ultra-long-haul international flights. The United Next program will also help the airline retire its aging fleet, including the older Boeing 737-700s and Airbus A320s inherited from Continental Airlines, as well as the A319-100s and A320-200s that have been in service for many years.
Additionally, the airline’s commitment to sustainability, reflected in its choice of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, will help reduce its carbon footprint and align with global efforts to combat climate change. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, United’s fleet renewal strategy positions the airline for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.
Conclusion: A New Era for United Airlines
With 135 new aircraft set to join its fleet in 2025, United Airlines is entering a new era of innovation, efficiency, and growth. The combination of cutting-edge Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 737 MAXs, and Airbus A321neos will enable the airline to serve more passengers, fly more efficiently, and open up new markets around the world. As part of the United Next program, this fleet renewal represents the airline’s commitment to providing world-class service while embracing the future of aviation. The next few years will be pivotal for United, and its bold investments in its fleet will ensure that the airline remains at the forefront of the industry.
