‘Most fuel-efficient aircraft’: United Airlines receives first of 6 Boeing 737 MAX 9 from US-based lessor

Despite its current problems with the production line, Boeing continues to gradually move aircraft out of its factories.

United Airlines has received another MAX 9 aircraft as part of a lease agreement that includes five more airplanes.

A Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft was recently delivered to United Airlines as part of a lease agreement.

The lessor, Aircastle, made the announcement, adding that it was the first of six new MAX 9s that it will deliver to United in 2024 and 2025.

Powered by CFM Leap engines, all these airplanes will be delivered out of Boeing's production facilities in Seattle, Washington, directly to United.

Mike Inglese, Aircastle's Chief Executive Officer, said,

“We are proud to build upon our long relationship with United by delivering the most fuel-efficient new aircraft available. In furthering the modernization of United's fleet, we are playing our part as global aviation transitions towards more sustainable aircraft solutions.”

Eric Harder, Vice President and Treasurer of United commented,

"We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Aircastle as we continue to modernize our fleet and execute our long-term growth strategy, delivering the next generation of aircraft to our customers."

United Airlines is one of the largest operators of Boeing 737 Max aircraft in the US, behind only Southwest Airlines. The carrier has more than 180 MAXs in its fleet, including MAX 8s and MAX 9s.

The airline first added the larger MAX 9 to its fleet in April 2018 and has more than 130 of the variant on order. It also sits on an order of another 20 MAX 8s and 167 MAX 10s.

However, Boeing's recent production delays and the delay in the certification of the MAX 10 variant have caused some issues with United’s fleet and network plan.

Earlier this year, United told Boeing to stop the production of the MAX 10 plane in favor of the MAX 9 because of certification uncertainties.

Scott Kirby, United’s CEO said, “We’ve asked Boeing to stop building Max 10s, which they’ve done, for us and start building Max 9s. It’s impossible to say when the Max 10 is going to get certified.”

United had to tweak its business strategy for the near future as it had to plan one without the MAX 10, which is nowhere close to getting a certification.

The carrier had to look for alternatives and the delays by Boeing translated into Airbus’ gain.

There were reports earlier this year that United was hoping to swap orders for the MAX 10 for the Airbus A321neo.

The airline also recently firmed up its preliminary agreements with aircraft lessors to include 40 Airbus A321neo aircraft in its fleet in the coming few years.

United has been swiftly adding the popular A321neo aircraft to its fleet. In fact, the carrier recently received its 25th A321, just days after the delivery of another A321.

United’s brand-new A321 fleet now has an average age of just six months.