Is United Airlines Interested In Japan Airlines' Retired Boeing 777-300ERs?

Eagle-eyed aviation enthusiasts noticed a retired Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER being re-registered under a US registration. This has led to speculation that the aircraft will go to a US operator - with the name United Airlines being thrown around.
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[@Charles-b2t]

Still plenty of life left in those airframes.. Makes perfect sense.

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

but they are retiring the 777 with plenty of life

[@GarlandTexasSpotter2024]

@@AbdullahNajib-b9zThat’s the 777-200 and -200ER only

[@John-bi1lv]

No it would make no sense for UA

[@taylorham4life]

If United Charters is still operating, I could see the possibility of United purchasing this particular 77W for a high capacity configured charter aircraft.

[@Sithvulcan76]

The aircraft could be fit for cargo conversion.

[@John-bi1lv]

That's mostly nonsense the speculation about UA. It's most likely being sold for parts or perhaps frighter conversion

[@AviationCommercials]

Exactly

[@widget787]

Would make sense for United. The 777-200s are not getting any better, with the 777-300ER they have quick access to airplanes that can replace the 200s and even bump up capacity. They could fly them another 6-7 years, then replace with eother 777X or A350-1000.

[@dmcr9525]

They are already replacing -200's with 787-10's

[@widget787]

@@dmcr9525 I know but there seem to be some delays with deliveries.

[@easonfan5578]

@@dmcr9525 The current 78X doesn't match the 777 in range and their 777-200ER are getting old. With JAL's 77W, United buys themself more time to wait for an upgraded 787-10ER or the 777-8X ad they could retire some old 772s

[@alooga555]

The average age of JAL's 777-300s being 18 years is younger than United's fleet of 777-200s exceeding 25 years. UA can still get some mileage out of the ex-JAL aircraft.

[@John-bi1lv]

They already have a huge 787 order in place to replace the 777's.

[@herkeajea4018]

It is very unlikely. Too expensive to retrofit a 20 years old bird with only 5 to 10 years life left unless the aircraft is free. Older aircrafts are less reliable. The main reason, 777-300ER is too large for UA due to most UA's international routes are spread over several hubs. 787-10ER is a more suitable choice for 200ER replacement. Boeing is working on an extended range version of 787-10, but like everything else Boeing does, it is progressing very slowly.

[@John-bi1lv]

Exactly. Not something they are interested in.

[@DustinPearce2957]

My guess is that United would either acquire this and retrofitted it although it will come with very high costs, or they would convert it into a freighter version. Or they would passed it into another carrier in the Star Alliance member. JAL is replacing their very old 777-300ERs with the Airbus A350-1000, and I've seen it quite many times in JFK, both are beautiful birds.

[@John-bi1lv]

If they bought it it would only be for parts, which I doubt. They have plenty of vendors for that. They would not covert to freighter since UA does not operate freighter aircraft.

[@DustinPearce2957]

@@John-bi1lv Fair point there. They could make the ex JAL 777 to enter service again with them though it's quite unlikely.

[@mcdonnellsinc]

wow!

[@Sophiebliek]

if united takes the B777W's there is no way they will take the A350's that where ordered by continental

[@rajnirvan3336]

United Airlines initially ordered 30 A350-1000. Then converted to A350 900. Order has been pushed back to 2030 now

[@John-bi1lv]

You seem to misunderstand. CO did NOT order 350s. That was an old order by UA prior to the merger.

[@delta_cosmic]

some of Japan Airlines' 777-300ERs are former prototypes of the 777 so lets hope they get a second life.

[@Youtub77W]

JA732J (One World livery) was the first Boeing 777-300ER prototype, build in 2003.

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

airbus fan slowly addmiting boeing is the best

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

@@Youtub77W Is it?well ....Long live the 777!cant wait for 777x to continue this great series.

[@Youtub77W]

@@AbdullahNajib-b9zthe 777-300ER is still better! I hope airlines will keep them as long as possible. Moreover, most airlines (such as AirFrance, AA, ANA, SWISS…) have there 777-300ER (or some of their 777s) configured with 4 class cabin and het don’t plan to receive a replacement which would get a first class which is a good new. Unfortunately, JAL has already received their A350-1000 with 4 class so thats why they are retiring their 777-300ER 😢

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

agree the 300er is better,but 777x is not bad

[@2chuck]

I would guess that whoever that B777-300ER ends up with, it's for an Airline that has the B777X on order and is adding seats until they can get them delivered. Interesting.

[@tommytube268]

777 is still a great airframe from Boeing and Japanese Airlines should have continued flying that plane with a newer version

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

777 300er is the newest in service.they are replacing the 300er with 350.which is sad.should be replaced by the hopefully soon to come 777x

[@jerrythemouse28]

Most of United's 77W are based out of my home base SFO, and some are based in IAD. If they get these JAL 77Ws, they will have a total of 35 77Ws, which can boost their networks.

[@keithparry3245]

My guess is these could be acquired by Qatar and wet leased to Virgin Australia to operate services to Doha. Qatar having recently taken a 25% stake in Virgin Australia

[@idxluaviation]

I hope UA puts the 787-8 on more of their Newark trans-atlantic flights. I can't wait for the days when EWR-LHR and EWR-ZRH are served by the type.

[@dewyakana1543]

JAL has made an excellent choice. Zero fatalities when their A350 burnt on the tarmac earlier this year.

[@DustinPearce2957]

And it still wonders me knowing the A350 was still intact when it collided with the Dash 8, the explosion was crazy. R.I.P to the five coast guards, the Dash 8 (I forgot the registration number), and JA13XJ (I know JAL has ordered a replacement but it won't probably JA13XJ).

[@j3j326]

United can use them to increase their capacity but they can also possibly scrap them for parts.

[@Youtub77W]

The 777-300ER, with its unique design and GE90-115BL is better looking then the A350-1000

[@zacherius137]

Ok nerd

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

it is!long live the 777,short live the a350!

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

expressing opinion doesnt make you a nerd

[@dennisthebrony2022]

I agree. Even if the A350-1000 is quite a large aircraft in and of itself, it doesn’t have quite the MUSCULAR and BRAWNY presence of the 777. I always see the A350 as a more FEMININE looking aircraft, though I still LOVE the A350 as well!!

[@mmm0404]

A350-1000 lacks gear tilt. At least if Airbus was trying to copy the 777-300ER , they could have added the gear tilt. Long live the 777

[@DomAviation]

Could be a US lessor, that may be leased to united, or might be for united! And FIRST!

[@John-bi1lv]

No it's for parts

[@KC-gp4mf]

Given the delays in the 787 United should just accept delivery of the A350 and would be in a better position now if they had not defered the order.

[@ninadkeshavjoshi2086]

These planes still have a lot of life left in them. United can replace the old domestic 777-200s at least temporarily IMO.

[@cabottaxi]

Maybe a stop gap until Boeing and Airbus stop taking an eternity to deliver new aircraft. Airlines can only plan schedules if they have aircraft that they can physically utilise. I'm sure that after United have finished with them they will find their way into the freighter market. I would imagine Japan Airlines have maintained these aircraft meticulously.

[@bernardkealey6449]

81000 hours? Yeah nah.

[@jbaldwin1368]

It would make sense for United to do this. They would get another 5 to 8 years out of these airframes, which buys them time to figure out the A350 deal with Airbus.

[@jasongould04]

This is already been solved. Airbus has accepted the cancellation, but Rolls-Royce hasn’t they are waiting for the opportunity to put Rolls-Royce engines on the 787’s

[@stradivarioushardhiantz5179]

If

[@bus4223]

United had early A350 slots that they gave up. Now they have the problem that exactly this aircraft is missing.

[@mmm0404]

No they don't , they avoided the complexity of adding a new type. Adding a 777 or 787 is much easier , less headache

[@Help_2024]

Honestly, United might buy that 77W. They're waiting on some 787's, to relace their 30+ year old (some being built as early as 1991) 767-300's, or possibly to replace their nearing 30 year old domestic 777-200 (non er's). Maybe a charter carrier might pick up this variant, or worse, SCRAPPED! United could also just use this ship as a part source. They done that before, like with old A319's and 737-700's.

[@us1fedvet]

I thought UA was moving to Airbus?

[@wadehiggins1114]

Them?! Those people are boeing lovers.

[@taylorham4life]

They will always have a mixed fleet. Don't be surprised when the A350 orders are all converted to A321XLR. The 787 family alone can do EVERY widebody mission and the 77Ws they own are some of the last ones off the line so brand new.

[@frankiexv4533]

They have a bunch of A321 orders with a handful of them being XLR’s. They have a few hundred max and 787’s on order. Their 777-300’s are very young.

[@mmm0404]

United has the largest order book of any Boeing customer. They have operated Airbus jets for years , nothing new

[@O530CarrisPT_C2]

This could also have been the new airborne command posts (the replacement of the E-4B Nightwatch) for the United States Air Force if it wasn't for their requirement of four engines.

[@E.Suuldt]

Old boeing vs new boeing who will wins?

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

Both.they both deliver quality

[@E.Suuldt]

Why die ?

[@ahmadtheaviationlover1937]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@wadehiggins1114]

I wouldn't be surprised. They exist for boeing

[@DustinPearce2957]

That includes American Airlines too. Most of the US airlines are Boeing heavy but not Delta Air Lines, Breeze Airways, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue. United Airlines are one of the top Boeing loyalists followed by American Airlines and ANA, these two carriers have always ordered Boeing planes recently.

[@wadehiggins1114]

@@DustinPearce2957 unfortunately

[@DustinPearce2957]

@@wadehiggins1114 These three carriers are the Boeing loyalist trios. Most airlines will choose a combination of Airbus and Boeing, these three carriers never do as they never ordered the A350 and A330neo, and ANA chose the 777X, which is an older design and takes forever to be certified and enter service. I really wished ANA opted the combination of the A350 and 787 like other carriers but I forgot they are Boeing loyalists.

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

And whats bad about being a boeing loyalist?crashing?well tell me the last boeing crash.the latest crash wasnt last sunday.

[@DustinPearce2957]

@@AbdullahNajib-b9z Dude, both of us said nothing bad about being a Boeing loyalist. You need to read my comments, I never said anything bad about being a Boeing loyalist. You understand now?

[@pierrelonnet1280]

Japanese airlines are known to take extra good care of their planes so Jal's 777 are probably in a very good shape. But perhaps AA a ow partner of Jal could buy the 777 as they are going theough a costly refurbishment of their fleet anyway while UA would have to organize such an operation for such a small sub-fleet

[@John-bi1lv]

One that old and that many cycles is for parts whomever buys it.

[@akbolly6415]

0:39 sad about losing this livery and went to one of the worst livery IMO. I know the bird is meaningful to JAL, but the black bold typeface…😅

[@nw3191]

As a Japanese, I can’t agree with you more!

[@jeremydee5424]

Isn’t there a freight carrier that uses 777-300’s…?? In particular converting the passenger versions to freighters..?? 777-300ERF…?? Could it go to them…??

[@aydoyt]

The 777-300ERSF program is a joint venture between AerCap (formerly GECAS) and Israel Aerospace Industries, however the only frames converted/slated for conversion so far have been those owned by AerCap, with these taking place at Tel Aviv. There is another company, Mammoth Freighters, who are set to launch a 777-300ERMF program (they already have a 777-200LRMF program) out of Fort Worth Alliance airport in Texas.

[@user-sh8ge7gr6u]

United taking the scraps of real airlines 😂😂😂

[@AbdullahNajib-b9z]

Nooooo,777 being retired.well here is ny advice:never buy 350,only buy 777

[@Flyingprussureizedtube]

And why?

[@rileyA350]

Is bro stupid or something? JAL 777 are getting older and it kinda make sence for them to retire them plus JAL is slowly switching to Airbus

[@Tpr_1808]

Well your advice won't be followed by everyone

[@DustinPearce2957]

Dude, you are nobody to airlines. And none of them will even follow your biased advice. And airlines won't keep an old 777 for too long in their fleet. What a L Boeing fan.

[@DustinPearce2957]

​@@FlyingprussureizedtubeHe's probably an insanely biased Boeing fan, especially a 777 fan, or an Airbus hater. Or just a braindead troll.