Yes, when United wants to grow they will. However, in Glenn Tilton's world as a wordsmyth, we need to define the word "growth."

To any United employee, growth means new aircraft, new destinations, and more jobs for United mainline. To Glenn Tilton, I would imagine the word growth means any vehicle through which revenue can be increased. It might be United mainline, but it could also be via a Star Alliance airline, Express, or an alter ego carrier. Why would anyone want to risk capital expenditures and be locked in with new aircraft, when revenue sharing allows the flexibility of ever changing contracts and the ability of responding to the marketplace when conditions dictate. Essentially United could become a shell company or ticket broker if you will.

Yes, they did announce the RFP for short haul aircraft. They are even considering a plane that is still on the drawing board. I will believe an airplane order when I am physically sitting in the plane. Remember, forty firm A320 type order were cancelled. A couple hundred business jet orders were scrubbed. Also remember, it is contract silly season. Apparently United management believes that carrot they are dangling is long and shiny.