United orders Boeing 787, Airbus planes

United Airlines says it placed an order for 25 of Boeing's long-awaited 787 widebody Dreamliner and 25 of the A350 aircraft from Airbus. Both aircraft have engines and components made by Connecticut manufacturers.

Among others, Barnes Group in Bristol supplies engine nozzles for the Dreamliner.  Hamilton Sundstrand in Windsor Locks also supplies engine components for the A350.

United Airlines said this summer it was seeking dueling proposals from Boeing and Airbus to replace the biggest jets that make up nearly half of its fleet.

The orders come with future rights for 50 of each aircraft, United Airlines says. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The airline says the new jets will reduce fuel burn and environmental impact, while expanding service to more international locations. Delivery is expected between 2016 and 2019, around the same time the airline will retire Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft.

United Airlines is a subsidiary of UAL Corp., based in Chicago. (AP)