Alerts Sign-up
United Airlines has begun phasing out its legacy Boeing 757 fleet, a move shaped by changes in technology, operational costs, and strategic mergers. The 757 was first introduced to United’s fleet in 1989 and became a key asset due to its range and efficiency on both transcontinental and select international routes. The aircraft allowed United to serve markets that did not justify larger widebody jets, supporting expansion into secondary cities and thinner long-haul destinations.
By the early 2000s, United operated over 120 Boeing 757s, reflecting the model's importance in the airline’s network. However, as these aircraft aged—many entering service in the late 1980s and early 1990s—maintenance needs increased and fuel efficiency lagged behind newer models. This prompted United to consider alternatives.
A significant turning point came with United’s merger with Continental Airlines in 2010. The combination created what was then the world’s largest airline and required integrating fleets, operations, and labor groups under a unified brand. As part of this process, United acquired Continental's younger Rolls-Royce RB211-powered Boeing 757-200s and 757-300s. This provided an opportunity for fleet standardization: “Maintaining two separate engine types across the same aircraft model significantly increases maintenance complexity, training requirements for mechanics and flight crews, and the need for separate inventories of spare parts,” according to industry sources.
