United Airlines Could Take Emirates’ Rejected Boeing 777-9s
United Airlines is reportedly considering adding early-production Boeing 777-9 aircraft that Emirates has said it will not accept to its fleet.
United Airlines currently has no orders for the Boeing 777X. However, should an agreement be reached, the carrier could become the first US airline to operate the 777-9.
United’s acceptance of the aircraft could also enable Boeing to find a new operator for the 777-9s that were built before certification and have remained parked for an extended period. The early-production group is understood to include approximately 20 aircraft.
Emirates previously announced that it would not accept the initial production batch, stating that the aircraft, which were built years before certification and have remained parked for a prolonged period, would require extensive modifications to meet current standards. The number of aircraft Emirates will not accept is reported to be between 10 and 11.
