United Airlines Retires First 777-200 After Three Decades of Service

United Airlines has placed its inaugural Boeing 777-200 into storage after 30 years of uninterrupted operation, closing a significant chapter in the airline's history and the legacy of Boeing's twin-engine widebody program. Aircraft N777UA completed its final passenger journey on November 28, 2025, flying from Washington Dulles to San Francisco, before relocating the following morning to Victorville's Southern California Logistics Airport, joining United's fleet of stored aircraft in the Mojave Desert.

Challenges with Engine Support

N777UA, the first Boeing 777 ever delivered in May 1995, conducted the first commercial 777 flight the next month from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles. Its retirement coincides with ongoing supply chain issues affecting Pratt & Whitney PW4000-series engines, which power United's older 777-200s. Reduced production of PW4000 components has complicated maintenance for airlines, prompting United to adjust aircraft usage to maintain operational reliability.

Legacy as Launch Customer

As the global launch customer for the Boeing 777, United relied on N777UA to expand its long-haul international network. Initially configured with 292 seats in a three-class layout, the aircraft underwent multiple cabin upgrades and livery changes, reflecting the airline's evolution, including the merger with Continental and subsequent rebranding.

Final Operations

In its last week of service, N777UA operated key domestic routes including Los Angeles, Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Washington Dulles, and San Francisco, alongside a final international rotation to Cancun. The aircraft's focus on domestic flights in recent years mirrored United's strategy of shifting older 777-200s away from long-haul routes.

According to aviation sources, the aircraft is currently listed as withdrawn from use, though full retirement has not been officially confirmed. Observers suggest this storage may be temporary while engine support issues are addressed across the 777-200 fleet.

Fleet Modernization and Storage

United's investor updates indicate a total of 96 777-200/300 aircraft in the fleet, with no immediate retirements planned. Stored planes, such as N777UA, may return to service once parts become available. Earlier in 2025, United parked several 777-200s due to global Pratt & Whitney engine supply shortages. Victorville's dry climate helps preserve the aircraft while awaiting potential reactivation.

Significance in Aviation History

N777UAs placement in storage is notable, as it was the oldest active Boeing 777 at over 30 years of age. Its longevity showcases the durability of Boeings design. United continues to operate 19 of the worlds 21 remaining passenger 777-200s, with the remaining two belonging to All Nippon Airways. The airlines investment in newer widebodies, including Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s, signals a gradual transition from the aging 777-200 fleet.

This storage move reflects both the operational challenges of managing older aircraft amid supply chain constraints and the remarkable service history of a plane that helped establish the 777 as one of aviation's most successful widebody aircraft.

Author: Noah Whitman