CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — According to an article published by the Wall Street Journal, United Airlines might be close to a deal with Boeing to order dozens of B787 Dreamliners. An agreement between the Chicago-based carrier and Boeing could be inked before the year-end.


The American planemaker has recently resumed deliveries of the 787 Family aircraft after a nearly two-year freeze following some quality and regulatory issues.

Dreamliners have proven to be suitable for many long-haul operators across the world for their fuel efficiency and ability to make new long-haul routes profitable without stopovers. According to recent media reports, United is preparing to order around 100 widebody jets, and the airline is in talks with both Boeing and Airbus.

United currently operates 66 Boeing 787s. Five more will join the airline's fleet next year. The American carrier also has 45 Airbus A350-900s on order with the European planemaker.

Over the last year, United has experienced operational issues with its Boeing 767 fleet, accelerating the necessity to decide on a replacement for those planes. If United chooses the Boeing 787 for the replacement of its aging 767s, it will be a triumph for Boeing over its European rival.

Airbus is expected to continue competing with Boeing for a potential follow-on order from United as the carrier still evaluates options for the replacement of its Boeing 777 fleet.