United Airlines is reportedly in discussions with Airbus regarding the potential purchase of additional A321neo jets to mitigate potential delays caused by the ongoing issues with Boeing’s 737 Max 10, according to industry sources.
United CEO Scott Kirby recently visited Toulouse to explore the possibility of a trade-off deal with Airbus, following concerns raised by a mid-air emergency incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9. The incident has cast doubts on the certification of the already-delayed Max 10.
While talks are still in early stages, no agreement has been finalized, stated a person familiar with the discussions.
Both Airbus and United Airlines declined to comment on the matter.
Kirby’s visit to Toulouse marks the latest development in Boeing’s challenges as it strives to address production quality and safety concerns while preventing crucial orders from unraveling.
During a press briefing last week, Kirby described the partial grounding of the Max 9 as the tipping point, attributing it to certification delays affecting the Max 10, the largest variant in Boeing’s troubled Max family.
Although United has not officially canceled any of the 277 Max 10 jets on order, Kirby revealed that they had been excluded from the airline’s internal plans. This decision has left uncertainty about how United intends to fill the potential gap in its fleet, especially at a time when Airbus is experiencing high demand for its A321neo aircraft.
Reports suggest that Airbus is seeking to repurchase A321neo positions from the market, indicating its readiness to present a proposal should an opportunity arise.
Any potential deal between United and Airbus would hinge on the availability of A321neo jets, which are currently in high demand, as well as the status of United’s contract with Boeing.
While Boeing declined to comment on commercial discussions, its CEO Stan Deal acknowledged the disruption caused to customers and pledged to address the issues promptly.
The ongoing discussions underscore the shifting dynamics in the commercial aviation market, with Airbus gaining ground in segments where its A321neo holds a competitive edge over Boeing’s Max 10. United’s pressing need for aircraft is poised to influence the resolution of its challenges with Boeing’s Max program.
As the aviation industry grapples with these developments, the upcoming aviation financiers’ meeting in Dublin is expected to shed further light on the implications for the market duopoly between Boeing and Airbus.
