U.S. carrier United Airlines is entering the final phase of a long-term process to retire the Boeing 767, one of the most important aircraft types in the history of its widebody fleet. Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby said the airline expects to be well advanced in withdrawing the type by the end of this decade, with around 2030 emerging as a natural milestone for its final retirement—a message he delivered during a public appearance at the APEX Global Expo industry conference.
Although the retirement of the Boeing 767 has been discussed for years, the aircraft remains a significant part of United’s operational picture. According to the latest available data from annual reports, the airline still operates 37 Boeing 767-300ERs and 16 examples of the larger 767-400ER variant in its main passenger fleet. The average age of these aircraft is around 29 years for the 767-300ER and approximately 23 years for the 767-400ER, further underscoring the need for their gradual replacement.
The fleet renewal process is already well underway. United has ordered a total of 147 aircraft from the Boeing 787 family, with the bulk of deliveries expected after 2026. The Dreamliners will progressively take over the roles currently performed by the Boeing 767, primarily on transatlantic and other long-haul routes, offering significantly lower fuel consumption, greater range, and a more modern passenger experience.
Alongside the Boeing 787, a key open question in United’s long-term plans remains the Airbus A350. The airline formally still has 45 A350s on order, although the contract has been amended and deferred multiple times over the years. Kirby noted that the end of this decade will be the point at which a final decision is made on whether the A350 will join United’s fleet in the 2030s or whether the carrier will rely entirely on existing and future Boeing widebody models. Reuters previously reported on the possibility of an imminent decision regarding this long-standing order.
Regardless of the outcome of that decision, the direction of United’s fleet development is clear. The airline is steadily transitioning to a new generation of widebody aircraft, while one of the most recognizable “workhorses” of U.S. aviation is gradually approaching the end of its passenger career. The Boeing 767 is thus entering the final chapter of its operational service at United Airlines, leaving behind decades of reliable performance and a pivotal role in building the carrier’s global network.
