United close to small jets order

United is close to deciding an order for about 30 small jets worth around US$2b, with Boeing looking well placed to win at least part of the deal. A decision by United to pick Boeing's 737-700 jet would be a blow for Bombardier, which has courted United as a key prospect for its CSeries. United's requirement for 100-seat aircraft is in the natural hunting ground for Bombardier and Embraer, but Boeing waded in with highly competitive offers for its slightly larger 737-700, which officially seats 126 passengers. United said it did not discuss future fleet plans. Boeing said it did not discuss market speculation. United is cutting the number of 50-seat jets it contracts to others to fly under its United Express brand and moving towards larger and more efficient planes flown by its own pilots. United's tender for 30 or more 100-seaters ignited a fierce battle at the lower end of the US$130b annual jet market, where the Airbus-Boeing duopoly is most under threat.<br/>