United Airlines sets the bar for future aircraft orders

Taking advantage of the economic downturn when manufacturers are hungry for new orders, UAL Corp (UAUA), parent of United Airlines, split its widebody order between 25 Airbus A350XWB-900s and 25 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to ensure maximum flexibility on many fronts including having the right capacity to open new long-range routes and markets. The three companies refused to discuss details although deep discounts can sometimes reach as high as 30%.