United Airlines Nears ‘Triple-Digit’ Order for Widebody Jets

United Airlines Holdings Inc. is closing in on an order for more than 100 widebody jets as it studies offers for Boeing Co.’s 787 Dreamliner and Airbus SE’s A350, according to people briefed on the matter.

The transaction would be one of the largest-ever purchases of long-range aircraft. It’s part of a broader push by Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby to upgrade United’s offering a little more than a year after the airline bought 270 narrowbody jets.

Boeing shares closed Thursday up 1.5% to $132.40 while United stock also gained, rallying 3.4% to $35.40. Airbus shares rose as much as 2.37 euros, or 2.5% to 99.27 euros in Paris trading on Friday.

Kirby recently told pilots attending a Denver training session that the airline is planning a “triple-digit” order, and is studying multiple widebody models for a deal that may be announced by December, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified discussing a confidential matter. Other sources close to the talks have confirmed the potential deal size.