Acquisition of new fuel-efficient aircrafts would not also create differentiation between United
and its competitors – as the fleet age will be lowered from 12 years to 8 years – but also will
create cost leadership benefits for the company. United estimates that 25 Boeing 787 aircraft
coupled with 25 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft will reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions by 33%
compared with the aircraft they will replace. Furthermore, the lifetime costs of maintenance of
these aircraft will be 40% lower per available seat mile compared with the aircraft they will
replace. (United Airlines Corporation, 2010)