United Airlines expands summer network with more Airbus A321neo flights

In addition to domestic expansion, United Airlines has performed an Airbus A321neo ETOPS proving flight to Hawaii from San Francisco to Honolulu. This indicates potential use of the new planes for over-water flights.

United's flight schedule with the A321neo is significantly expanding. In August, they are set to operate 903 weekly flights compared to just 238 during August of last year—a substantial increase. These aircraft serve a variety of destinations with heavy traffic between major hubs like Chicago-O’Hare and Los Angeles.

Looking ahead at fleet development, United Airlines plans to grow its A321neo/A321XLR fleet throughout 2025. The airline intends to have different numbers of these aircraft each quarter: ending Q1 with 35, Q2 with 41, Q3 with 48, and Q4 with 57 planes. Challenges faced by Boeing regarding certification of the MAX series are partly influencing this growth strategy.

According to ch-aviation data, United ended previous years with four A321neos in service by end-2023 and increased that number significantly by end-2024. CEO comments reflect optimism about ongoing demand trends moving into next year after achieving $3.5 billion profit last year alongside record passenger numbers.