Article from BTNews 9 DECEMBER 2019
New CEO as United picks A321
Coinciding with news of a change in leadership and in a blow to Boeing, United Airlines announced last week it was “setting a course for the future” with an order for 50 Airbus A321XLRs, which would "improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact".
At the same time, United said CEO Oscar Munoz will step down next May to become executive chairman. The airline’s current president, J Scott Kirby, will take over as CEO.
On the A321, United said the order enabled it to begin replacing and retiring its existing Boeing B757-200s and allow the airline to explore serving more destinations in Europe from its East Coast hubs in New York and Washington.
Executive vice-president and CCO Andrew Nocella said: "The A321XLR aircraft is an ideal one-for-one replacement for the older, less-efficient aircraft currently operating between some of the most vital cities in our intercontinental network.
"In addition to strengthening our ability to fly more efficiently, the A321XLR's range capabilities open potential new destinations to further develop our route network and provide passengers with more options to travel."
United plans to begin taking delivery of the Airbus A321XLR in 2024. The airline is deferring delivery of an Airbus A350 order until 2027 “to better align with operational needs.”
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