United Ordered 45 A350s... Then Walked Away

United’s decision to remove the Airbus A350-900 from its order book underlines how a contract dispute can unsettle long-running aircraft plans. Earlier this year, United Airlines signaled the A350-900 type would be taken off its schedule, citing a breach of contract by the engine manufacturer in its SEC 10-K filing. The move places 45 Airbus A350s into doubt and brings a $175 million payment into the center of a legal battle. The conflict involves United and Rolls-Royce, according to the filing described in the report. The situation matters because it could reshape United’s widebody fleet strategy and affect expectations for delivery timing and aircraft availability.