Commercial Aviation
United Airlines Revisits Airbus A350 Order for Fleet Renewal
United Airlines considers activating its Airbus A350 order to replace Boeing 767s and enhance international competitiveness by 2030.
United Airlines is at a critical crossroads in its fleet renewal strategy, as CEO Scott Kirby publicly signals a renewed interest in the long-standing, but repeatedly deferred, Airbus A350 order. This development comes at a time when United is preparing to retire its aging Boeing 767 fleet by 2030, and as international aviation competition intensifies. The decision carries weight not only for United’s operational future, but also for the broader U.S. aviation sector, as Kirby frames these moves within the context of a “trade deficit” in international air travel that he believes policymakers in Washington should address.
The reconsideration of the A350 order, which has been on the books since 2009 but has seen multiple conversions and delivery deferrals, marks a significant potential shift for an airline that has otherwise invested heavily in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner program. United’s actions are being closely watched by industry observers, who see this as part of a broader strategy to cement United’s position as America’s leading international carrier while addressing capacity and competitive needs that may not be fully met by its current Boeing-centric widebody approach.
This article examines the historical evolution of United’s A350 order, the current strategic context, the role of CEO Scott Kirby’s public statements, and the implications for United’s future fleet and international competitiveness.
United Airlines’ relationship with the Airbus A350 is one of the most complex and protracted in Commercial-Aircraft. The initial order dates back to 2009, when United committed to 25 A350-900s as part of a major fleet modernization plan. This was a notable shift for United, which had traditionally relied on Boeing for its widebody aircraft needs.
In 2013, United converted its A350-900 order to 35 A350-1000s, reflecting a desire for higher-capacity aircraft to serve long-range, high-demand markets. The Airlines then-CEO described the A350-1000 as a key part of replacing older, less efficient aircraft. However, this was not the end of the order’s evolution. In 2017, United again modified the order, reverting to 45 A350-900s, increasing the total number of aircraft but returning to the smaller variant, citing changes in market conditions and network strategy.
These repeated changes have pushed the expected Delivery of the first A350s into the 2030s, far beyond the original timeline. While United has never taken delivery of an A350, it retains one of the largest outstanding A350 orders among U.S. airlines. The order’s multiple modifications have allowed United to maintain flexibility in its fleet planning and to leverage negotiations with both Airbus and Boeing on pricing and delivery schedules.
“We will either take 100+ A350s or we will take zero.” — Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO
United Airlines has made the Boeing 787 Dreamliner the cornerstone of its widebody fleet. In December 2022, United announced a historic order for 100 additional Boeing 787s, with options for another 100, making it the largest widebody order by a U.S. airline at that time. This move underscored United’s confidence in the 787’s operational and economic advantages.
The 787 fleet gives United significant flexibility, with the ability to deploy different variants (787-8, 787-9, 787-10) across its international network. As of 2025, United operates 76 787s and has 145 more on order. The airline has used these aircraft to launch new long-haul routes and increase frequencies, capitalizing on the 787’s fuel efficiency and passenger appeal. United’s current widebody fleet also includes 53 Boeing 767s and a significant number of Boeing 777s. Many of these aircraft are approaching the end of their operational life, particularly the 767s, which United plans to retire by 2030. The scale of United’s 787 order is intended to replace these aging aircraft, but capacity gaps may still exist, especially as United pursues aggressive international expansion.
“By the end of the decade, we will be well into retiring the 767.” — Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO
Recent public statements from CEO Scott Kirby suggest a shift in United’s approach to the long-deferred A350 order. At the APEX Global Expo in 2025, Kirby noted that the timing for considering the A350 has improved as United accelerates its 767 retirement. He also indicated that economic factors, including a previously unfavorable Rolls-Royce engine contract, may now be more attractive due to rising engine prices industry-wide.
Kirby has framed the international aviation market as a “trade deficit” for the U.S., arguing that foreign carriers, often state-supported, dominate long-haul routes to and from the U.S., carrying two-thirds of the seats even though most passengers are U.S. citizens. This rhetoric positions United’s fleet decisions within a broader policy debate about competitiveness and national interests.
Industry observers note that Kirby’s stance on fleet simplification, once favoring an “all or nothing” approach to the A350, has softened. There is now more openness to integrating a smaller number of A350s, especially as United has successfully diversified its narrowbody fleet with Airbus A321s. This evolution reflects a recognition that flexibility and competitive positioning may outweigh the benefits of strict fleet commonality.
“Two-thirds of long-haul international seats to and from the United States are on foreign flag carriers, even though 60 percent of the passengers are US citizens.” — Scott Kirby
The retirement of United’s 53 Boeing 767s by 2030 creates a pressing need for replacement capacity. The 767s currently serve key transatlantic and other long-haul routes, and their phase-out aligns with the earliest possible deliveries of the deferred A350s. The A350-900, with seating capacity similar to United’s larger 767-400ERs, is a logical candidate for this role.
United’s Boeing 777 fleet also faces an uncertain future, with 55 777-200ERs and 22 777-300ERs in service. The A350-900 is positioned as a replacement for the 777-200ERs, but repeated deferrals have complicated the timeline. United’s expansion plans, including more than 600 daily flights from Chicago O’Hare by the end of the decade, mean that the airline’s capacity needs will likely exceed what the current 787 order can cover.
Industry-wide, both Boeing and Airbus have struggled with production delays and supply chain disruptions, making existing order positions more valuable. United’s deferred A350 slots could provide a strategic advantage, allowing for earlier deliveries than if the airline placed a new order today. This flexibility is critical as international travel demand recovers and competition for aircraft intensifies.
“The A350’s advanced materials and fuel-efficient engines deliver approximately 25% lower fuel burn compared to older widebody aircraft.” — Airbus
The global widebody market is highly competitive, with U.S. carriers like United and Delta taking different approaches. Delta operates both the A330 and A350, while United has so far relied on Boeing for its widebodies. The dominance of foreign carriers in U.S.-originating international markets is a significant concern for United, especially as these airlines often benefit from government support and have invested heavily in premium products and network expansion. Kirby’s “trade deficit” framing is part of a broader strategy to influence policy and public opinion. While U.S. airlines have historically received substantial support, such as pandemic-related aid and regulatory protections, Kirby argues that foreign subsidies tilt the playing field. However, the irony remains that a major Airbus order would itself contribute to the trade deficit he highlights.
Economic considerations for the A350 include not only acquisition costs but also operational efficiency, maintenance, and the potential for premium revenue on long-haul routes. The A350’s fuel efficiency and cabin technology could help United compete more effectively against foreign carriers, especially as environmental regulations and passenger expectations evolve.
United Airlines’ renewed consideration of its Airbus A350 order is a pivotal moment in its fleet strategy. After years of deferrals and modifications, the convergence of fleet retirement timelines, evolving economic conditions, and competitive pressures may finally tip the balance in favor of activating the A350 order. CEO Scott Kirby’s public statements reflect both the urgency of United’s capacity needs and a broader strategic vision for international competitiveness.
The outcome will shape United’s ability to maintain and expand its international network, compete with both domestic and foreign carriers, and manage operational costs in a challenging industry environment. As United approaches key fleet replacement decisions, the A350 order stands as both a symbol and a tool of its ambitions in the next era of global aviation.
Q: When did United Airlines first order the Airbus A350? Q: Why has United deferred its A350 order multiple times? Q: What role does the A350 play in United’s future fleet plans? Q: How does United’s fleet strategy compare to its competitors? Q: What are the main economic factors influencing United’s aircraft decisions? Sources:
United Airlines Reconsidering Airbus A350 Order: Strategic Implications for Fleet Renewal
Historical Background of United’s Airbus A350 Order
Current Fleet Strategy and the Boeing 787 Dominance
Strategic Shifts and CEO Scott Kirby’s Statements
Fleet Modernization Timeline and Competitive Context
Industry and Economic Factors
Conclusion
FAQ
A: United’s initial order for the Airbus A350-900 was placed in 2009.
A: The order has been modified and deferred due to changing market conditions, evolving fleet needs, and United’s growing reliance on the Boeing 787 for widebody operations.
A: The A350 is being considered as a replacement for United’s aging Boeing 767s and potentially the 777-200ERs, as part of a broader fleet modernization and international expansion strategy.
A: United has focused on Boeing for its widebody fleet, while competitors like Delta operate both Airbus and Boeing widebodies. United’s reconsideration of the A350 could signal a shift toward greater fleet diversification.
A: Key factors include acquisition and operating costs, fuel efficiency, maintenance, delivery timelines, and the ability to compete for premium passengers on long-haul international routes.
AviationA2Z
Photo Credit: Airbus
Route Development
SAS and TAROM Codeshare Connects Scandinavia and Romania in 2026
SAS and TAROM announce a codeshare agreement effective February 2026, enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania with SkyTeam benefits.
This article is based on an official press release from SAS Group.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and TAROM, the flag carrier of Romania, have announced a comprehensive codeshare agreement set to commence on February 9, 2026. The partnership aims to restore and enhance connectivity between Northern Europe and Romania following SAS’s strategic shift to the SkyTeam alliance.
According to the official announcement from SAS Group, the agreement will allow passengers to book single-ticket journeys between the two regions by utilizing major European transit hubs. This move integrates TAROM, a long-standing SkyTeam member, more deeply with SAS, which officially joined the alliance on September 1, 2024.
The collaboration addresses a significant gap in network connectivity, offering business and leisure travelers seamless baggage check-through and reciprocal loyalty benefits. Paul Verhagen, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, emphasized the strategic value of the deal in a statement:
“This new partnership with TAROM marks an important step in enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania. By combining our networks and offering smooth transfers via key European hubs, we are giving our customers more choice, flexibility, and convenience.”
Rather than launching direct flights immediately, the airlines are leveraging a “virtual hub” strategy. According to the press release, the codeshare will route traffic through four key intermediate airports: Amsterdam (AMS), Brussels (BRU), Frankfurt (FRA), and Prague (PRG).
Under the terms of the agreement:
This structure allows the airlines to offer competitive travel times and frequency without dedicating aircraft to direct point-to-point routes, which are currently dominated by low-cost carriers.
This agreement is a direct consequence of the major airline alliance realignment that occurred in late 2024. When SAS departed Star Alliance to join SkyTeam, it lost its traditional connectivity to Eastern Europe provided by partners like Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. Partnering with TAROM allows SAS to rebuild its footprint in the region using SkyTeam infrastructure.
For TAROM, the deal unlocks access to the high-yield Scandinavian market. The Romanian carrier is currently in the midst of a fleet modernization program, transitioning from aging aircraft to new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets expected to arrive in late 2025 and 2026. By utilizing SAS for the northern leg of the journey, TAROM can expand its network reach while conserving its own metal for other high-demand routes. Narcis Obeadă, Commercial Director at TAROM, hinted at further expansion in the company’s statement:
“In the coming period, TAROM will announce new commercial agreements, in line with the company’s mission to safely and efficiently connect Romania and Romanian culture to the international air transport network.”
Travelers utilizing the codeshare will benefit from the full suite of SkyTeam alliance perks. Members of SAS EuroBonus and TAROM’s loyalty program will be able to earn and redeem points on these codeshare flights. Additionally, premium passengers will gain access to SkyTeam lounges at transit hubs.
The passenger experience on the SAS leg of these journeys is also set for an upgrade. SAS is currently rolling out free high-speed Starlink WiFi across its fleet, a project the airline states will be widely available by late 2025.
The “Prague” Anomaly and Market Positioning
The inclusion of Prague (PRG) as a connection hub is a notable operational detail. Following the cessation of operations by Czech Airlines (CSA) as a standalone SkyTeam member in October 2024, Prague is no longer a primary alliance hub. The decision to route traffic through PRG suggests a strong bilateral interline capability between SAS and TAROM that functions independently of major alliance hub infrastructure.
Furthermore, this deal clearly targets the premium business segment. While low-cost carrier Wizz Air operates direct flights between Bucharest and Copenhagen, legacy carriers cannot compete purely on price. Instead, SAS and TAROM are competing on schedule flexibility (multiple daily frequencies via hubs) and corporate perks (lounge access, baggage interlining). With tourism to Romania rising, foreign arrivals were up 13.4% year-on-year as of August 2024, the demand for reliable, full-service connectivity is likely to grow.
When can I book these codeshare flights? Will my bags be checked through to the final destination? Do these flights count toward SkyTeam Elite status?
SAS and TAROM Launch Strategic Codeshare to Connect Scandinavia and Romania
Operational Details: The Virtual Hub Strategy
RO marketing code on SAS flights connecting Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm to these intermediate hubs.SK marketing code on TAROM flights connecting Bucharest to the same hubs.Strategic Context: The SkyTeam Realignment
Passenger Experience and Loyalty
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The codeshare agreement is effective starting February 9, 2026. Tickets should be available through both airlines’ booking channels prior to this date.
Yes. Because this is a full codeshare agreement, passengers traveling on a single ticket (e.g., Bucharest to Stockholm via Amsterdam) will have their baggage checked through to the final destination.
Yes. Flights marketed and operated by SkyTeam members (SAS and TAROM) count toward tier status and accrue redeemable miles/points according to the rules of your specific loyalty program.
Sources
Photo Credit: SAS Group
Route Development
Starlux Airlines Launches Taipei to Prague Flights in 2026
Starlux Airlines will begin nonstop service between Taipei and Prague in August 2026, featuring its exclusive First Class on the Airbus A350-900.
This article summarizes reporting by One Mile at a Time and Ben Schlappig.
Starlux Airlines, the Taiwan-based luxury carrier, has officially announced its expansion into the European market. According to reporting by One Mile at a Time, the airline will launch nonstop service between Taipei (TPE) and Prague (PRG) beginning August 1, 2026. This development marks a major milestone for the “boutique” airline, representing its first long-haul destination outside of North America.
The new route signals a strategic shift for Starlux, which has previously focused its long-haul efforts exclusively on transpacific flights to the United States. By deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this sector, the airline intends to compete directly with legacy carriers by offering a premium-heavy configuration, including its exclusive First Class cabin.
Based on schedule data cited by One Mile at a Time and confirmed by Prague Airport, the service will initially operate three times weekly. The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with plans to increase frequency to four times weekly by adding Mondays starting in October 2026.
The operational schedule is as follows:
Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Prague Airport, welcomed the new connection in a statement regarding the launch.
“We estimate that the route will be used by approximately 95,000 passengers in the first year of operation.”
, Jiří Pos, Chairman of Prague Airport
Travelers on this route will experience Starlux’s most premium hardware. One Mile at a Time notes that the Airbus A350-900 is the only aircraft type in the Starlux fleet equipped with a First Class cabin. The aircraft features a total of 306 seats across four distinct classes:
This deployment is significant because it brings a true First Class product to the Taipei-Prague market, distinguishing Starlux from competitors that may only offer Business Class on similar routes.
While major European hubs like London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle are often the first ports of call for Asian carriers expanding westward, Starlux’s choice of Prague is driven by specific economic factors rather than traditional tourism volume alone. The Semiconductor Connection “Prague is a long-favored destination for Taiwanese travelers, and growing semiconductor industry ties are expected to further drive demand…”
, Glenn Chai, CEO of Starlux Airlines
Competitive Landscape According to the reporting by Ben Schlappig, this route is likely just the beginning of Starlux’s European ambitions. The airline has indicated plans to launch a second European destination later in 2026. While not officially confirmed, industry reports suggest Milan (MXP) is a strong contender, which would align with the carrier’s Strategy of connecting high-value fashion and business hubs.
Starlux Airlines Selects Prague for First European Route
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
Onboard Experience: The Airbus A350-900
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Market Positioning
We observe that the economic ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic have deepened significantly due to the semiconductor industry. With major investments from Taiwanese tech giants in Central Europe, business travel demand is high. Starlux CEO Glenn Chai highlighted this synergy in his remarks regarding the Launch.
Starlux will face direct competition from China Airlines, which launched the same route in July 2023. However, Starlux appears to be betting on its “luxury boutique” brand identity to capture high-yield business travelers and premium leisure tourists who prioritize cabin comfort and newer aircraft hardware.
Future European Expansion
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Starlux Airlines
Commercial Aviation
Airnorth Extends Fleet Support Agreement with Embraer
Airnorth renews its multi-year Embraer Pool Program contract to maintain fleet reliability and component support for E170 and E190 jets in remote regions.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
Airnorth, Australia’s premier regional airline, has officially reaffirmed its long-standing relationship with Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. On February 6, 2026, the companies announced a multi-year extension of a comprehensive fleet support agreement covering Airnorth’s operation of E170 and E190 jet aircraft.
According to the announcement, the renewed contract falls under the “Embraer Pool Program,” a service solution designed to streamline maintenance and component availability. This extension ensures that Airnorth’s fleet, which serves some of the most remote and challenging routes in Northern Australia and Timor-Leste, retains direct access to Embraer’s global technical support and component exchange network.
The primary focus of the agreement is to guarantee operational reliability for Airnorth’s jet fleet. Operating out of Darwin, the airline connects remote communities across the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia, as well as international services to Dili, Timor-Leste. In these isolated environments, supply chain logistics are critical; an “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) event due to a missing part can cause significant disruptions.
Under the terms of the Pool Program, Airnorth gains access to a large stock of components at Embraer’s distribution centers. This arrangement allows the airline to minimize upfront capital investment in high-value repairable inventories. Instead of purchasing and warehousing expensive spare parts, Airnorth utilizes Embraer’s exchange service, converting fixed inventory costs into predictable operating expenses.
In a statement regarding the extension, Bradley Norrish, Airnorth’s Supply Chain Manager, emphasized the critical nature of OEM support for regional connectivity:
“Reliability is everything for a regional airline like Airnorth. This agreement gives us confidence that our Embraer fleet is backed by world-class OEM support, with fast access to components and technical expertise when and where we need it. It also allows us to manage costs more effectively… and keep our focus where it belongs, safely connecting communities.”
The relationship between the two entities spans nearly two decades. Airnorth was the launch customer for the Embraer E170 in Australia, introducing the type in 2007 to replace smaller turboprops on key routes. The airline later expanded its jet capacity by introducing the larger E190 to handle increased passenger volumes on trunk routes such as Darwin-Perth and Darwin-Cairns.
Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, highlighted the durability of the partnership in the company’s press release: “We are proud to mark a decade of partnership with Airnorth and appreciate their renewed confidence in Embraer through this agreement. Operating in some of the region’s most challenging conditions, Airnorth plays a vital role in connecting communities.”
From our perspective at AirPro News, this renewal highlights a broader trend among regional operators to lean heavily on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) support programs as their fleets mature. The E170, while a robust airframe, has been out of production for some time as the industry shifts toward the E2 variants. By locking in a Pool Program agreement, Airnorth effectively insulates itself from the volatility of the secondary parts market.
Furthermore, for an airline owned by the Bristow Group, which specializes in vertical flight solutions and demands high safety standards, guaranteed component availability is a strategic necessity rather than a luxury. The ability to access a global pool of parts ensures that Airnorth can maintain high dispatch reliability despite operating in a region known for extreme weather and logistical isolation.
According to the details provided by Embraer, the Pool Program extension includes the following key services:
This agreement ensures that Airnorth remains a dominant force in Northern Australian aviation, capable of maintaining the rigorous schedules required to serve both resource sector clients and remote communities.
Sources:
Airnorth Secures Fleet Reliability with Extended Embraer Pool Program Deal
Enhancing Operational Stability in Remote Regions
A Decade of Partnership
AirPro News Analysis
Summary of Services
Photo Credit: Embraer
-
Commercial Aviation3 days agoAirbus Nears Launch of Stretched A350 Variant to Compete with Boeing 777X
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries4 days agoHarbor Diversified Sells Air Wisconsin Assets for $113.2 Million
-
MRO & Manufacturing4 days agoFedEx A300 Nose Gear Collapse During Maintenance at BWI Airport
-
Defense & Military4 days agoAirbus and Singapore Complete Manned-Unmanned Teaming Flight Trials
-
Sustainable Aviation6 days agoAsia-Pacific Aviation Growth and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiatives 2026