United and Boeing Announce $14.7 Billion Plane Deal

United Airlines announced a monster order of 150 aircraft from Boeing Co. (IW 500/16) on Thursday, a deal that the planemaker said is worth about $14.7 billion.

United's order of all 737 aircraft -- the world's best-selling passenger plane -- will see planes delivered until 2022.

"United and Boeing share a rich history together and we are delighted United has chosen the 737 for its future fleet, renewing our partnership for decades to come," said Ray Conner, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

United President and CEO Jeff Smisek said customers now can expect more "modern features," while the airline will benefit from greater fuel efficiency.

The order includes 100 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and 50 Boeing 737-900ER aircraft.

The 737 MAX 9 single-aisle aircraft will be delivered from 2018 and feature a quieter cabin and brighter lighting, which is meant to give the impression of more space. They also feature larger overhead bins.

The 50 737-900ER models will replace 757-200 aircraft that currently fly domestic routes.

Earlier on Thursday, Boeing's European rival Airbus announced  orders worth around $6.35 billion.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2012