United Airlines remains top U.S. operator of aging Boeing 777-200 widebody jets

The Boeing 777-200 is the shortest and lowest-range version among its family variants. It first flew in June 1994 and entered service with United a year later. Nine customers originally purchased a total of 88 units; by 2018 only about 55 remained in service globally. The model primarily competed with the Airbus A330-300 during its heyday.

In terms of configuration, United’s current high-density layout allows each jet to carry up to 364 passengers: 28 seats in United First (with lie-flat beds), followed by Economy Plus (102 seats), and Economy Class (234 seats). Only United First offers personal entertainment screens; other passengers are expected to use their own devices for entertainment.

These aircraft mainly serve high-capacity domestic routes today, such as flights to leisure destinations like Cancun. Joe Kunzler, a reviewer for Simple Flying who traveled on a San Francisco–Denver flight aboard one of these jets, described his experience: "The seat's comfort level was OK for a three-hour flight. I did not get an amenity kit, but I had a good view of the mighty 777 wing and a place to put my cell phone... Additionally, I appreciated that I could mold the head cushion to my head, as I can on many narrowbody jetliner seats these days."

Looking ahead, many of United’s oldest 777-200s will reach or surpass three decades in operation by 2026—a milestone that increases maintenance challenges. To modernize its fleet and replace these aging jets, United has placed orders for new Boeing 787 Dreamliners as well as Airbus A350s (25 A350-900s and ten A350-1000s). In a company statement about acquiring the A350-1000s, chairperson Jeff Smisek said: "We look forward to taking delivery of the A350-1000. This is a modern, fuel-efficient and advanced-technology aircraft that our customers and co-workers will enjoy flying. It will be a great addition to our fleet, and will allow us to meet demand on larger, long-haul markets in our world-leading network."

As part of its transition strategy before fully adopting next-generation models like the Dreamliner or A350 for long-haul routes, United has also added four newer used Boeing 777-200ERs into domestic service.

Despite Boeing’s efforts with newer widebody models such as the forthcoming 777X series—which no U.S.-based airline has yet ordered—United does not plan to use this type as a replacement for its retiring widebodies. Industry observers attribute this decision both to operational needs favoring smaller widebodies like the Dreamliner or A350 within U.S. markets and ongoing delays or setbacks associated with Boeing’s recent programs.

Besides United Airlines’ fleet dominance in North America, ANA continues operating two younger examples on Japanese domestic routes while Nigeria’s Max Air recently introduced one ex-Japan Airlines unit into service after acquiring it from storage.

United Airlines was founded in 1931 and operates major hubs at airports including Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.