"United Airlines today announced an order to purchase 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, enabling the carrier to begin replacing and retiring its existing fleet of Boeing 757-200 aircraft and further meet the airline's operational needs by pairing the optimal aircraft with select transatlantic routes", United Airlines said Tuesday.
The new Airbus planes will be introduced into international service in 2024, according to United.
"The new Airbus A321XLR aircraft is an ideal one-for-one replacement for the older, less-efficient aircraft currently operating between some of the most vital cities in our intercontinental network", Andrew Nocella, United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said as quoted in the Tuesday statement.
According to Nocella, "the A321XLR's range capabilities open potential new destinations to further develop our route network and provide customers with more options to travel the globe".
"Additionally, the new aircraft lowers overall fuel burn per seat by about 30% when compared to previous generation aircraft, enabling United to further minimize its environmental impact as the carrier moves towards its ambitious goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% relative to 2005 levels by 2050", United Airlines said.
