United Airlines considers first plane order in more than a decade

United Airlines, the third largest airline in the United States, is about to place its first aircraft order in more than a decade, airline sources said Thursday.

By the end of this year, United Airlines is expected to place a firm order for 25 long-range jets worth upward of 5 billion U.S. dollars at list price. The airline also wants options for 75 additional wide-body aircrafts that could be converted into order sat a later date.

"We are not working toward a specific time frame," said Jean Medina, the airline's spokeswoman. "We are working toward getting the right deal for the company."

According to a Chicago Tribune report, after sitting on the sidelines while other U.S. carriers placed orders in recent years, United Airlines is taking advantage of a buyer's market for jetliners.

Aside from U.S. Airways, Airbus has yet to land a U.S. airline customer for the A350, a largely composite jet that is due to enter the market in about five years.

With a United order, Boeing stands to gain a publicity boost. It has garnered only 13 Dreamliner orders this year, along with 83cancellations for the jet, which is more than two years behind schedule.

Source: Xinhua