United Airlines Defers Boeing, Plane Deliveries

UAL Corp.’s United Airlines said it deferred delivery of 43 Boeing Co. and Airbus aircraft scheduled for 2002 and 2003, saving the company $2.5 billion for now as it seeks to stem losses.

United, the second-biggest airline, said it will take 24 of the 49 planes scheduled for delivery next year and none of the 18 planes slated for 2003.

United reduced its flight and seating capacity about 23% after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks led to lower ticket sales and demand.

Shares of Chicago-based UAL rose $1.53 to $14.24 on the NYSE.