United Air Closes In on Airbus A321 Jets During Max 10 Delays
- US carrier in advanced talks with lessors, Airbus for aircraft
- Boeing delays threaten growth at United, frustrate CEO Kirby
An Airbus SE A321 Neo aircraft, operated by United Airlines, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.
Photographer: Callaghan O'Hare/BloombergUnited Airlines Holdings Inc. is in advanced talks to acquire additional Airbus SE A321neo aircraft as soon as next year, according to people familiar with the matter, allowing it to replace Boeing Co. 737 Max 10 orders that are at least five years behind schedule.
The US carrier is negotiating with aircraft lessors and the European planemaker to access production slots, the people said, asking not to be named with discussions still in flux. Some of the targeted slots have been freed up after JetBlue Airways Corp. and Spirit Airlines Inc. postponed A320-series deliveries, the people said, cautioning that details aren’t final and could change.