Orders boost for North West Airbus manufacturing site

United Airlines has placed an order for 70 Airbus A321neo (new engine option) aircraft, positioning the airline to grow its presence in the single-aisle market in alignment with its ‘United Next’ initiative.

The new order complements existing orders from United for 50 A321XLR aircraft, bringing the total commitment from the airline to 120 A321 aircraft.

All wings for Airbus commercial aircraft are manufactured at the group’s Broughton site, near Chester, which employs around 4,500 staff.

Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international, said: “Such a significant order from a great airline like United underscores that the A321neo offers unmatched capabilities, operating economics, and passenger friendliness.

“No other aircraft can do what the A321neo can do, and the Airbus team is most gratified by United’s strong affirmation of its premium status.

“The A321neo will complement United’s future A321XLR aircraft, together creating a privileged segment on its own.”

Another reason the A321neo is in such high demand globally is that the aircraft provides superior environmental performance with the lowest CO₂ emissions per seat in its class.

The A321neo’s lower carbon footprint will support United along its journey to reduce the airline’s CO₂ emissions 100% by 2050.

United’s A321neo aircraft will feature Airbus’ Airspace cabin design, which brings passenger enhancements such as unique welcome and customisable hero lighting, which helps reduce jet lag, new slimmer sidewall panels for extra personal space at shoulder level, better views through the windows with their redesigned bezels and completely integrated window shades, the latest full LED lighting technologies, the largest overhead bin in class, and new lavatories with hygienic touchless features and antimicrobial surfaces.