CHOKEPOINTS

United bets big on Boeing with new orders

Dec 13, 2022, 7:10 AM

boeing...

(Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)

(Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)

It’s a huge vote of confidence for two of Boeing’s most important airplanes that United Airlines has placed a huge order with the company.

This is the shot in the arm that Boeing has needed to pull out of the pandemic and the two deadly Max crashes.

More Chokepoints: How WSP plans to reduce record road fatalities

United Airlines is ordering 100 787 Dreamliners, with an option for 100 more. It is the largest wide-body order ever for a U.S. carrier, and it signals that United believes a return to overseas travel is on the horizon.

The long-haul 787 was created for those routes, but demand for that kind of travel disappeared during the pandemic, worrying many that the plane would never reach its potential.

The Dreamliner also suffered production issues that kept Boeing from delivering them. This twin-aisle order will help United replace its aging fleet of 767s and 777s.

United is also ordering 100 737 Maxes. This number includes 56 new orders, with the other 44 from earlier orders.

“United emerged from the pandemic as the world’s leading global airline and the flag carrier of the United States,” United CEO Scott Kirby said. “This order further solidifies our lead and creates new opportunities for our customers.”

It’s also a huge boost for Boeing and likely confidence in its products for consumers and investors alike.

Check out more of Chris’ Chokepoints.

Chokepoints

I-405 truck fire...

Frank Sumrall

Truck fire shuts down I-405, 2 lanes now open

All lanes of I-405 heading north at Sunset Boulevard in Renton were blocked due to a major truck fire. The HOV lane is now open.

21 hours ago

Photo: Everett northbound I-5 near Lowell Road....

Micki Gamez

Brace for delays: Everett Revive I-5 is back

It's been over a year since the last downtown Everett Revive I-5. Work starts Friday, May 10, and lasts until Monday.

5 days ago

airport expansion...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Airport expansion in high gear as summer travel approaches

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is undergoing a massive construction project expansion, making drop-offs and pickups better.

6 days ago

graffiti drone...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Has tagging met its match with WSDOT’s ‘graffiti-battling’ drone?

Taggers, you are on notice. The state of Washington is coming after you with a high-tech gadget: The world's first graffiti-battling drone.

8 days ago

Snohomish River Bridge Everett...

Chris Sullivan

Four-month closure just weeks away for Snohomish River Bridge in Everett

Ninety-seven winters have taken their toll on the Snohomish River Bridge in Everett. It's time to shut it down for some much-needed repairs.

13 days ago

rest area...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Rest area blues and its dire situation on the I-5 corridor

87% of the buildings at the state's rest areas were rated in critical condition, and it's expected to cost between $375-525 million to renovate them.

15 days ago

United bets big on Boeing with new orders