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United Airlines currently operates the Boeing 787-10 rather than the Airbus A350-1000 because its order for the A350 has not yet been fulfilled. The airline inherited a significant order for Boeing 787s from Continental Airlines when the two companies merged in 2010, and these aircraft have since become central to United's widebody fleet.
Continental Airlines placed a major order for the 787 in 2004 and became the first American airline to order the 787-9 in 2007. The company cited fuel efficiency and operational flexibility as key reasons for choosing the Dreamliner. After merging with United, the combined carrier honored orders for both the 787-9 and smaller 787-8 models. Glenn Tilton, who would later serve as non-executive chairman of United Airlines, stated at the time: "Today is a great day for our customers, our employees, our shareholders, and our communities as we bring together our two companies in a merger of equals to create a world-class and truly global airline with an unparalleled network serving communities worldwide with outstanding customer service."
United’s first revenue flight on a 787 took place two years after the merger from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Over ten years, that aircraft logged nearly 40,000 flight hours.
