🕒 Created · Updated

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby faces a dilemma over hundreds of lie-flat seats currently in storage.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby revealed that the carrier has hundreds of lie-flat Business Class seats in storage because the Boeing 737 Max 10, which they were intended for, has faced significant certification delays. Originally planned to fly in 2020, the aircraft model is still awaiting federal approval. Because the seats do not fit the Airbus A321neo aircraft that United recently used to fill the gap, Scott Kirby noted that the airline must decide how to best utilize the remaining inventory. To address the delays, United pivoted to the Airbus A321neo, dubbed the 'Coastliner' subfleet, to maintain its premium transcontinental routes. While the Airbus planes have a wider cabin, specific seat tracks and sidewalls mean the 737 Max 10 seats cannot be used on them. United expects to receive the first Boeing 737 Max 10s in summer 2027. The airline may eventually write off the cost of the seats or negotiate with Boeing to cover a portion of the expenses.

Sources