United expects 102 fewer aircraft deliveries in 2024

United Airlines expects to receive from Boeing 102 fewer new aircraft in 2024 than contractually agreed, forcing the airline to recalculate its fleet plan and delivery expectations for the coming years. The Chicago-based carrier said in a 29 February filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it is now counting on the US manufacturer to deliver 63 aircraft to it in 2024, rather than the 165 it had previously been banking on. Those delivery delays, United says, are a major risk to its ability to execute its “United Next” fleet transformation initiative, and to its overall operation. The delays come as Boeing deals with numerous quality issues involving its 737 Max, for which the FAA has put the manufacturer on notice. United, for its part, has said it is looking for means of heading off the impact of receiving fewer new jets, such as by relying more on other types and by delaying aircraft retirements. “If [United] is unable to acquire additional aircraft at acceptable prices from Boeing or Airbus, or if Boeing or Airbus fails to make timely deliveries of aircraft… or to provide adequate support for its products, including with respect to the aircraft subject to firm orders under our United Next plan, the company’s operations could be materially and adversely affected,” United says. United’s purchase contracts with Boeing call for the airline to welcome 80 new 737 Max 10 to its fleet in 2024, 71 in 2025 and 126 in the following years through 2033. United has now struck all those figures from its fleet plan, saying, “Due to the delay in the certification of the 737 Max 10 aircraft, we are unable to accurately forecast the expected delivery period”.<br/>