Old 03-31-2006, 03:10 PM
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Default United Airlines Announces Major Aircraft Order

United Airlines Announces Major Aircraft Order

SHANGHAI, April 1, 2006 /PRNewswire/ – United Airlines, the Chicago, IL-based carrier (NASDAQ: UAUA) announced it has entered into agreements to acquire an additional 43 Boeing 777-family aircraft, with options for additional aircraft. The efficient, passenger-friendly B-777 aircraft will form the backbone of the company’s international operation. The first of these aircraft will arrive in September 2006 and will be ready for revenue service as early as October 2006.

The company has entered into a binding memorandum of understanding with Boeing for a firm order of 20 new 777-300ER aircraft configured with 346 seats, and 23 new 777-200LR aircraft configured with 298 seats, including full conversion rights. It has also entered into leasing commitments from operating lessors for 10 additional 777 Freighter aircraft. Each aircraft will feature Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series of engines. The aircraft will be equipped in a three-class configuration, and will offer passengers a comfortable 34 inches of legroom between most rows.

United Airlines Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Glenn Tilton said, “Today’s announcement represents a major step forward in our continuing strategy to transform the company into the leading global carrier in the industry. The addition of new Boeing aircraft to our fleet will allow us to improve and increase our presence in Asia, Europe, and South America from each our hubs, excluding Denver. This is a key component in our plan to offer travelers around the globe low, simple fares, excellent service and convenient schedules featuring frequent departures and flexible ticketing rules.”

“We are pleased with the favorable economics and business terms we have achieved in this deal. By placing the order at this time we are able to take advantage of these favorable terms as well as delivery positions that are currently available, which are critical to the implementation of our new growth strategy.” He added, “Our Board’s decision to go with Boeing aircraft was the result of an intense bidding process. The company received competitive proposals from airframe, engine, and equipment suppliers, all of whom were vying to participate in this order following their extensive review of our business plan. We believe that this agreement clearly demonstrates the confidence that Boeing and our new lessors have in our new business plan.”

About United

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates more than 3,400 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United is also a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 790 destinations in 138 countries worldwide. United's 57,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world.

About United in the Asia-Pacific region

United operates more than 210 services a week between the Asia-Pacific region and the U.S. The airline has more than 2,500 employees based in the region. United flies from 13 Asia-Pacific cities including Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Melbourne, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei and Tokyo. The airline operates two cabin crew bases in Tokyo and Hong Kong with almost 1,000 flight attendants based in the region. United was named "Best Transpacific Airline" in the 2005 OAG Airline of the Year Awards, "Best North American Airline" by TTG Asia’s 2005 travel poll and "Best North American Airline" by Business Traveler Asia-Pacific in 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

Last edited by WatchThis!; 03-31-2006 at 03:15 PM.
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