United in talks to buy wide-body jets - sources

United is in talks with Airbus and Boeing over the purchase of wide-body, long-haul passenger jets to replace a fleet of 50 Boeing 767 aircraft, people familiar with the discussions said Tuesday. Airbus is expected to offer its upgraded A330neo jet against Boeing's 787 Dreamliner in a deal potentially worth some US$14b. All three companies declined to comment on the nature of the talks. A win in the jet production contest would be especially important for Airbus, whose struggling A330neo program has lost a number of recent bids to Boeing for wide-body, long-haul aircraft. United's fleet already includes Boeing 787s, and the carrier has firm commitments for an additional 14 jets scheduled for delivery through 2027. <br/>