United seen finalizing its largest-ever narrow-body jet deal

United is poised to buy more than 200 Airbus and Boeing jetliners, one of the largest purchases in its history, as the US carrier revamps its single-aisle fleet with more efficient planes, according to people familiar with the plans. While terms are still being finalized and the order size is in flux, the total deal has expanded from that first reported by Bloomberg News earlier this month, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the talks are confidential. United is expected to take upwards of 150 of Boeing 737 Max jetliners and more than 50 Airbus A321neos, they said. The deal will be showcased during investor and media events scheduled for Tuesday by the carrier. The order highlights the vigor with which demand for new jets has snapped back in the US following the historic collapse in air travel last year as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe. United ordered 50 of Airbus’s long-distance A321XLR model in 2019 and has accelerated deliveries from previous Max orders to capitalize on Americans’ surging demand for leisure travel. The fleet strategy also furthers United CEO Scott Kirby’s goal of reducing the carrier’s carbon emissions and becoming an industry innovator battling climate change.<br/>