United 787

United Airlines (UAL) is reportedly planning to swap at least ten of its ordered 787 Dreamliners for the 777-300ER aircraft.

The airline is currently discussing the plans with Boeing to finalise a deal.

United Airlines spokeswoman was reported by The Wall Street Journal as saying that the airline is not considering placing new orders for wide-body aircraft.

The proposed deal could allow Boeing to maintain the production rates of the current-generation 777 aircraft at its assembly line in Everett, Washington, before proceeding with the 777X model in 2020.

Boeing currently builds around 100 777 aircraft each year. Last year, the company received 63 orders for the aircraft.

"The 777-300ER features a three-cabin layout and can accommodate 386 passengers."

Bloomberg quoted United Airlines spokeswoman Megan McCarthy as saying: "We do, however, hold the ability to negotiate the substitution of certain aircraft types for other aircraft types as part of our flexible fleet plan, and we are considering the Boeing 777-300ER in this context."

Said to be the top-selling of Boeing’s 777 models, the 777-300ER features a three-cabin layout and can accommodate 386 passengers.

The aircraft is claimed to fly 7,825nm, around 500 miles further than the 747 jets.

United Airlines became the first customer for 777 in 1995 and the carrier has not upgraded its fleet with the new aircraft.

The proposed deal for Boeing comes after Qatar Airways finalised a $1.24bn order for four 777 Freighter aircraft with an option for four additional aeroplanes earlier this month.

Image: A United Airlines 787 Dreamliner. Photo: courtesy of United Continental Holdings, Inc.