SEATTLE - United Airlines on Tuesday said in a statement, "We are considering the Boeing 777-300ER."
Analysts and news reports say the airline is looking to buy another ten 777s to add to the fleet of 74 it already owns. United was the very first or "launch" customer for the 777, when it took delivery starting back in 1995. United worked closely with Boeing in designing the jet, but the company's more recent orders have consisted of Boeing 787s and the new Airbus A350.
The expectation is that United could convert some of those other airplanes it has on order to 777s. Also in that statement, United said, "We do, however, have the ability to negotiate the substitution of certain aircraft types for other aircraft types as part of our flexible fleet plan."
Boeing could use the sale, as it needs to bridge the gap to 2020 when it begins delivering the new 777-X. The newer version of the jet is expected to have a wider interior, composite carbon fiber wings along the lines of the 787 and more fuel efficient engines.
From the official launch of the 777-X to delivery represents a six year gap. Five of those years are left. Boeing spokesman Doug Alder says there is three years of backlog in selling the current 777 models. That still leaves years worth of production to fill. Boeing has long expressed optimism about filling the 777 gap, as it has filled the 737 gap leading to the 737 MAX that starts delivery in 2017.
Scott Hamilton of Leeham and Co., which tracks airline order activity, said discussions between Boeing and United started in December. He says Boeing is also talking to large carriers in Asia about more sales.
