United Airlines (UA) has signed new agreements with aircraft leasing companies to acquire 40 Airbus A321neo aircraft, set for delivery in 2026 and 2027. The company disclosed this information in an SEC filing dated October 16, and the total value of the agreements is estimated at approximately $4 billion.
These leasing arrangements cover mainline aircraft, regional planes under capacity purchase agreements, and various facilities. The agreements are expected to take effect between 2024 and 2027 and may extend up to 12 years.
As United expands its A321neo fleet, the airline also faces production delays from both Airbus and Boeing. Boeing’s production lines for the 737, 767, and 777 models have been affected by labor strikes, while Pratt & Whitney’s engine recalls add to the industry’s current challenges.
The newly leased aircraft complement United’s total order of 115 A321neo jets from Airbus. The airline also plans to receive 11 additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft by 2025.
United continues its orders for 50 A321XLR jets, an extended-range version of the A321neo. The first delivery of the A321XLR, which marks the start of United’s Boeing 757-200 replacement program, is expected in January 2026.
Additionally, BOC Aviation recently announced it would lease four aircraft to United Airlines: three Boeing 737 MAX 9 and one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. United also signed a leasing agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital for 20 A321neo aircraft.
In the third quarter, United Airlines achieved unprecedented passenger volumes, breaking several operational records. The airline surpassed previous passenger records during the July 4th and Labor Day holidays and strengthened its position in the mainland China market by resuming Los Angeles–Shanghai flights.
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