This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.

United Airlines Orders 300 GE Aerospace Engines for Record-Breaking 787 Fleet

United Airlines has solidified its position as a global leader in widebody operations by signing a definitive agreement to purchase 300 GEnx-1B engines from GE Aerospace. Announced on February 16, 2026, this massive orders is set to power the airline’s expanding fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. According to the official announcement, this deal marks a significant milestone, making United Airlines the world’s largest operator of GEnx-powered aircraft.

The agreement supports United’s “United Next” growth strategy, which focuses on modernizing the fleet with more fuel-efficient and higher-capacity aircraft. By selecting the GEnx-1B, United is standardizing its widebody Propulsion, ensuring that its future Deliveries of Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft are equipped with engines known for high reliability and operational efficiency.

Details of the 300-Engine Order

The commitment for 300 engines covers both installed powerplants for new aircraft deliveries and a provision for spares. Based on industry data regarding United’s order book, this volume supports firm commitments for approximately 140 to 150 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This influx of new aircraft is intended to replace aging fleets of Boeing 767-300ER and 777-200 aircraft, offering a substantial upgrade in passenger experience and operating economics.

In a statement regarding the selection, GE Aerospace leadership highlighted the long-standing Partnerships between the two aviation giants.

“GE Aerospace has an enduring relationship with United that spans decades. This deal will make United the largest GEnx operator in the world, and we’re honored they continue to choose us to power their success.”

, Mohamed Ali, President & CEO, GE Aerospace Commercial Engines & Services

Strategic Fleet Standardization

By expanding its GEnx fleet, United Airlines surpasses other major international carriers, such as All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Qatar Airways, in terms of GEnx engine volume. This move allows United to streamline its maintenance operations, spare parts logistics, and technical training. With the Airlines’ existing 787 fleet already 100% powered by GE, continuing with the GEnx-1B eliminates the complexity of managing a mixed-engine fleet for the Dreamliner type.

Technical Specifications and Efficiency

The selection of the GEnx-1B over the competing Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 was driven by specific performance metrics outlined in the announcement and supporting technical reports. The GEnx-1B is specifically designed for the Boeing 787 and utilizes advanced materials, including lightweight carbon fiber composite fan blades and a fan case that significantly reduces weight.

Performance Metrics

According to GE Aerospace data, the GEnx-1B engine delivers a 1.4% fuel burn advantage over its competition for typical 3,000 nautical mile missions. For an airline operating a fleet the size of United’s, this efficiency translates into massive annual cost savings and a reduction in carbon emissions. The engines are estimated to produce approximately 15% less CO2 compared to the CF6 engines powering the older aircraft they are replacing.

Reliability and Durability

Operational reliability remains a critical factor for long-haul carriers. The GEnx engine boasts a dispatch reliability rate of 99.98%. Furthermore, the engine is engineered to remain on the wing 20% longer than competitors before requiring removal for maintenance. This durability is achieved partly through the Twin Annular Pre-Swirl (TAPS) combustor technology, which also reduces NOx emissions to 55% below regulatory limits.

AirPro News Analysis: The Widebody Engine Duopoly

While the official release focuses on the partnership, this order underscores a significant shift in the widebody engine market. The Boeing 787 engine landscape is a duopoly between GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce. United’s decision reinforces GE’s dominance in this sector.

Industry data indicates that the GEnx engine now powers more than 66% of all Boeing 787s in service. Between 2020 and 2025, GE secured over 90% of new engine orders for the Dreamliner. This trend suggests that while competitors like Rolls-Royce maintain strong positions on other airframes (such as the Airbus A350), the GEnx has effectively cornered the market for the 787, largely due to its consistency in avoiding the durability issues that have historically plagued rival engines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which aircraft will these engines power?
The 300 GEnx-1B engines will power United Airlines’ new deliveries of Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners.

When was this deal announced?
United Airlines and GE Aerospace announced the definitive agreement on February 16, 2026.

How does this impact United’s sustainability goals?
The GEnx engines offer a 1.4% fuel burn advantage over competitors and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 15% compared to the older aircraft (Boeing 767s and 777s) being replaced.

What is the significance of the order size?
With this order, United Airlines becomes the largest operator of GEnx engines in the world, surpassing fleets operated by ANA and Qatar Airways.

Sources

• GE Aerospace