United Airlines Fleet in 2025

CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA), the world’s largest airline by mainline fleet size, operates a diverse fleet of 1,018 aircraft as of April 2025. UA operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing narrow-body jets while exclusively operating Boeing wide-body aircraft. Notably, United has retained the most wide-body aircraft among U.S. carriers, highlighting its dominant presence in international long-haul travel.

Under its “United Next” strategy, the airline has focused on fleet modernization, retiring older aircraft while introducing hundreds of new Boeing and Airbus jets. At the same time, United has made aggressive network adjustments, particularly for Summer 2025, optimizing routes and enhancing capacity across its global hubs.

This article analyzes United Airlines’ current and future fleet, renewal strategy, and upcoming route changes.

Photo: Clément Alloing

United Airlines Fleet – April 2025

As of April 2025, United Airlines operates a mainline fleet of 1,018 aircraft, making it the largest airline in the world by fleet size. The carrier continues to modernize its fleet, focusing on efficiency and passenger comfort while phasing out older aircraft in favor of next-generation models.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of United’s current fleet:

Narrow-Body Aircraft

• Airbus A319-100 – 81 in service (21 to be retired in 2025)
• Airbus A320-200 – 76 in service
• Airbus A321neo – 36 in service, 94 on order (deliveries through 2032)
• Airbus A321XLR – 50 on order (deliveries start in 2026)
• Boeing 737-700 – 40 in service
• Boeing 737-800 – 141 in service
• Boeing 737-900 – 12 in service
• Boeing 737-900ER – 136 in service
• Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 116 in service, 7 on order
• Boeing 737 MAX 9 – 94 in service, 129 on order (largest operator)
• Boeing 737 MAX 10 – 167 on order (launch customer, awaiting certification)
• Boeing 757-200 – 40 in service (to be replaced by A321XLR)
• Boeing 757-300 – 21 in service (largest operator)

United’s narrow-body fleet is undergoing a commendable transformation, with hundreds of new 737 MAX and A321neo/XLR aircraft replacing older models. The 737 MAX 9 has become the airline’s workhorse, while the A321XLR will gradually replace the Boeing 757 on long transcontinental and transatlantic routes.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Wide-Body Aircraft

• Airbus A350-900 – 45 on order (deliveries pushed back until at least 2030)
• Boeing 767-300ER – 37 in service (to be replaced by Boeing 787)
• Boeing 767-400ER – 16 in service
• Boeing 777-200 – 19 in service (domestic configuration)
• Boeing 777-200ER – 55 in service (to be replaced by Airbus A350-900)
• Boeing 777-300ER – 22 in service
• Boeing 787-8 – 12 in service, 145 Boeing 787s on order
• Boeing 787-9 – 43 in service
• Boeing 787-10 – 21 in service

United is the largest operator of wide-body aircraft among U.S. airlines and has committed to a significant fleet renewal plan. The airline is rapidly expanding its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, which will replace aging Boeing 767s and older 777 variants.

Additionally, United still has the Airbus A350-900s on order, which is expected to eventually replace the 777-200ER fleet.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Fleet Outlook

United’s fleet renewal program focuses on enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and improving the passenger experience. Over the next decade, the airline will continue its transition toward next-generation aircraft, with a particular emphasis on:

• Expanding the 737 MAX family while retiring older 737NGs and 757s.
• Deploying the A321XLR for premium transatlantic and high-demand domestic routes.
• Phasing out 767s and older 777s, replacing them with a growing fleet of Boeing 787s.

With 637 aircraft on order, United is making one of the most aggressive fleet investments in its history, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the global aviation market.

Photo: Clément Alloing

International Route Changes – Summer 2025

United Airlines is making strategic adjustments to its long-haul international network, particularly focusing on demand-driven seasonal flights. Key changes include:

Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

• Athens (ATH): Seasonal flights resume early (May 1), upgraded to Boeing 787-10.
• Barcelona (BCN): Service returns ahead of schedule (April 21), initially with a 787-10, switching to a 787-8.
• Dublin (DUB): Aircraft changes from 757-200 to 787-8.
• Milan (MXP): Service resumes April 7, operated by a 787-8.

San Francisco (SFO)

• Auckland (AKL): Operated thrice weekly with a 777-200ER, replacing the 787-9.
• Brisbane (BNE): Temporarily daily service (March- May and September onwards) using a 777-200ER.
• Barcelona (BCN): Now operated with a 787-10 instead of a 777-200ER.

Photo: Cado Photo

Newark (EWR)

• Athens (ATH): Additional three-weekly flights from March 31 using 767-300ER.
• Bilbao (BIO): New seasonal three-weekly service using a 757-200.
• Palermo (PMO): New three-weekly service using a 767-400ER.
• Nuuk (GOH): New twice-weekly flights using a 737 MAX 8 (June-September).

Los Angeles (LAX)

• Beijing (PEK): New three-weekly 787-9 service from May 1.

Washington Dulles (IAD)

• Accra (ACC): Increased frequency from three to six weekly flights using a 787-8.
• Dakar (DSS): New three-weekly flights using a 767-300ER (starting May 23).

These changes align with United’s long-haul strategy of leveraging its Boeing 787 and 767 fleet for transatlantic expansion.

Photo: Clément Alloing

United Airlines – Boeing’s Top Customer in 2024

In 2024, United Airlines received 36 new Boeing aircraft, the most of any airline worldwide. These deliveries, primarily consisting of 737 MAX variants, show United’s aggressive fleet expansion.

Top Boeing Customers in 2024

As a whole, United Airlines is executing one of the most ambitious fleet and network strategies in the aviation industry. By modernizing its fleet, expanding its international presence, and prioritizing passenger experience enhancements, the airline is well-positioned for future growth.

With around 650 aircraft on order and strategic route expansions planned for Summer 2025, United is set to solidify its position as one of the largest and most globally connected U.S. airlines.

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