Nov. 20, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- United Airlines considers first plane order in more than a decade
CHICAGO?Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- United Airlines, the third largest airline in the United States, is about to place its first aircraft order in more than a decade, airline sources said Thursday.
By the end of this year, United Airlines is expected to place a firm order for 25 long-range jets worth upward of 5 billion U.S. dollars at list price. The airline also wants options for 75 additional wide-body aircrafts that could be converted into orders at a later date.
"We are not working toward a specific time frame," said Jean Medina, the airline's spokeswoman. "We are working toward getting the right deal for the company."
According to a Chicago Tribune report, after sitting on the sidelines while other U.S. carriers placed orders in recent years, United Airlines is taking advantage of a buyer's market for jetliners.
Aside from U.S. Airways, Airbus has yet to land a U.S. airline customer for the A350, a largely composite jet that is due to enter the market in about five years.
With a United order, Boeing (NYSE:BA) stands to gain a publicity boost. It has garnered only 13 Dreamliner orders this year, along with 83 cancellations for the jet, which is more than two years behind schedule.
