Would Replace Existing 767s On Some Routes With New Models Of The Airplane

United Airlines is said to be considering the purchase of some new Boeing 767 passenger aircraft to replace aging models that the carrier is flying on transatlantic and South American routes.

There's just one slight problem. Boeing no longer makes a passenger model of the 767. The only examples of the airplane coming off the line now are cargo aircraft, and they are also the platform for the KC-46 Pegasus tanker currently undergoing flight testing.

Boeing has reportedly been looking for an avenue to restart production of the 767 as a passenger jet, and Reuters reports that a deal with United might be just that path.

In a statement emailed to the Wall Street Journal and cited in the Reuters report, United said that it has not specifically requested any information from Boeing about a 767 passenger jet, or any other wide-body aircraft type, but "have in the ordinary course of discussions asked for information about several wide-body aircraft, including the 767.”

The average age of the 767s in United's fleet is about 20 years, according to the report.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report