United Airlines To 'Step Up' Retirement Of 80 Jets In 2027 As Boeing 737 MAX 10s Arrive

United Airlines’ plan to “step up” the retirement of 80 jets in 2027 is tied to its long-delayed Boeing 737 MAX 10 deliveries and the carrier’s effort to lower costs across its network. During this week’s earnings call, CFO Mike Leskinen said the airline will accelerate retirements of older, less-efficient aircraft to improve margins while balancing capacity with demand. United expects to receive up to 20 Boeing 737 MAX 10s in 2027, with full FAA certification expected before the end of 2026. The airline did not name which aircraft types will be withdrawn, but its oldest narrowbodies are considered most likely candidates, including Airbus A319s and A320s earmarked for retirement by decade’s end. United holds firm commitments for 167 MAX 10s and has already shifted many orders toward Airbus A321neo and the MAX 9, which has more than 160 in service.