United order bypassed Boeing moneymaker

CHICAGO, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A huge plane order from United Airlines may have sent U.S. plane maker Boeing a message that its 777 jet program requires help, an industry analyst said.

"There's no question Boeing is going to have to invest some money in the 777," former airline executive Michael Levine told The Seattle Times. "But I doubt the 777 is now irrelevant. It's a very good airplane," he said.

Industry analyst Scott Hamilton said the United order was notable for passing on 777s, which put Boeing on alert that it needed to take a hard look at the jet with an eye toward making it relevant again, the Times said Wednesday.

United, which ordered 25 Dreamliner 787s from Boeing and 25 Airbus A350s, viewed the 777, a 15-year moneymaker for Boeing, as "old technology," Hamilton said.

Boeing spokesman Peter Conte said "no commitments have been made" for overhauling the 777s.

However, "there are many attractive near and long-term options … ranging from drag and maintenance improvements to new engines to a new wing to an all-new airplane," he said.