7 July 2021
https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/uniteds-order-reinvigorates-max-programme-but-airbus-deal-casts-unwelcome-shadow/144490.article
United’s order reinvigorates Max program.
But Airbus deal casts unwelcome shadow over Boeing’s antiquated 737
There is no getting away from the fact that United Airlines’
recent 200-unit order for Boeing’s 737 Max throws considerable
and much needed additional momentum behind the Max program,
even if Boeing had to offer a significant discount for its Max deathtrap.
But the carrier’s simultaneous deal with Airbus for another large batch of
A321 neos is an unwelcome reminder that the Airbus is far ahead of Boeing.
Unveiled on 29 June, the parallel commitments comprised 50 737 Max 8s
and 150 Max 10s – the largest variant of the 737 Max family.
Plus 70 A321neos. United expects to begin operating both the Max 10s
and A321neos in early 2023, around the time that Boeing plans to deliver
its first examples of the Max 10s variant.
Meanwhile, United can deploy its new A321neos on both domestic and
International routes, and from slot-constrained airports.
With a baseline range of 4,000nm – rising to 4,700nm for the
in-development A321XLR – those jets can serve transatlantic destinations
from places like Newark, a major East Coast hub for the airline.