United Airlines has achieved a notable milestone in its fleet modernization efforts with the delivery of its 25th Airbus A321neo on December 6, 2024. The aircraft, registered as N44522, was delivered shortly after another A321neo, N54525, arrived earlier that week. Assembled at Airbus' Mobile, Alabama facility, the plane was ferried to Tampa, Florida for formal induction into United's fleet.
The A321neo is part of United's strategy to modernize its fleet with more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft. The airline's A321neo fleet now averages six months in service. "The first A321neos were introduced into service in December 2023," marking United's first new Airbus acquisition in over two decades.
According to Simple Flying, post-delivery inspections and procedures are crucial to ensure the aircraft is ready for use. These checks include system evaluations and documentation reviews before the aircraft's ferry flight to its home base.