Why United Airlines’ CEO Put Rolls-Royce In The ‘Doghouse’ & What It Means For 45 Airbus A350s

A microscopic layer of melted desert dust on a turbine blade might seem an unlikely reason for one of the world’s largest airlines to reconsider a 45-aircraft order. But that is the backdrop to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby putting Rolls-Royce in his “doghouse” as a contract dispute threatens to unravel the carrier’s long-delayed Airbus A350 plans. The immediate issue is contractual, but the consequences extend to engine durability, maintenance economics, and United’s wider fleet strategy.