United Airlines Scraps Airbus A350 Order Amid Rolls-Royce Dispute

United Airlines has removed the Airbus A350 from its medium-term fleet plans following a contract dispute with Rolls-Royce, the British engine manufacturer. The decision, disclosed in a recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marks the latest development in a saga that began over a decade ago.

The Dispute with Rolls-Royce

According to the SEC filing, United accuses Rolls-Royce of breaching a 2017 agreement concerning the purchase of engines and related maintenance services. The dispute centers around a $175 million commitment payment made by United in 2017. In December 2025, United demanded repayment of this commitment, plus contractual escalation, alleging a breach by Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce failed to comply with the demand and subsequently terminated the agreements, claiming that United had breached its own commitments. Both companies maintain that the other party owes them damages, and United acknowledges the uncertainty of recovering the claimed funds and the outcome of the litigation Reuters.

A Long and Winding Order History

United’s relationship with the Airbus A350 has been marked by several revisions. The airline initially placed an order for 25 A350-900 aircraft in 2009. This was later adjusted in 2013 to 35 A350-1000s, before reverting to an order for 45 A350-900s in 2017 Simple Flying. The cancellation of the order impacts United’s long-term fleet renewal and expansion strategies.

Implications for United’s Fleet

The A350 is exclusively powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, making Rolls-Royce the sole engine supplier for the aircraft. This dispute specifically concerns the A350, as United’s filing clarifies that the issues relate to Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft Simple Flying.

The removal of the A350 from United’s expected aircraft deliveries raises questions about how the airline will proceed with its widebody fleet plans. The airline acknowledges that the dispute could have broader implications for its other contractual relationships Aerospace Global News.

What’s Next?

The outcome of the legal dispute between United and Rolls-Royce remains uncertain. United has initiated steps to recover the funds it believes are owed, but the timeline and potential resolution are unclear. The cancellation of the A350 order will likely prompt United to reassess its widebody fleet strategy and explore alternative options for long-haul travel The Airline Observer.