United's Mainstay: Celebrating the 757-222's Contributions to Aviation

The Boeing 757 has long been a stalwart of United Airlines' fleet, reliably serving countless routes with distinction. MotoArt is proud to preserve a piece of this illustrious history, transforming N559UA, a retired 757, into PlaneTags, allowing aviation enthusiasts to own a piece of this remarkable aircraft's legacy. Read more about it then secure your own United Airlines 757 PlaneTags for your collection. 

Boeing 757-200 series

The Boeing 757-200 series represents a pivotal era in commercial aviation, bridging old and new technologies with its advanced design and performance capabilities. Launched in the early 1980s, the 757 was designed to replace the older 727 on short and medium-haul routes. Its development was part of Boeing's broader strategy to modernize its fleet with more fuel-efficient, cost-effective, and technologically advanced aircraft. The 757-200 featured a high-bypass-ratio turbofan engine, which was revolutionary at the time, allowing for quieter operation and better fuel economy compared to the engines used in previous generations.

United Airlines was among the first to recognize the potential of the 757-200, integrating it into their fleet in 1982. The aircraft's introduction marked a significant upgrade for United in terms of operational efficiency and passenger comfort. Notably, the 757-200 was equipped with a supercritical wing design, which reduced drag and improved overall aerodynamic efficiency. This design allowed for greater range and speed, making the 757-200 an ideal choice for both domestic and transcontinental routes. Additionally, the 757's two-crew digital glass cockpit was a major advancement. It featured sophisticated avionics systems, including the first use of a fully digital electronic flight instrument system in a Boeing airliner, setting new standards in aviation technology and pilot interaction. United’s adoption of the 757-200 not only demonstrated a commitment to innovation but also significantly influenced its operational strategies, helping to streamline costs and enhance the flying experience for passengers.

United Airlines

United Airlines, one of the major flag carriers of the United States, traces its origins back to the early days of commercial aviation. It was officially founded on April 6, 1926, as Varney Air Lines by Walter Varney in Boise, Idaho. This humble beginning marked the start of a long journey among the skies. In 1931, after several mergers and expansions, the airline was rebranded as United Airlines. 

Over the decades, United has been involved in several notable events that shaped its history and that of aviation. The airline was the first to fly the Boeing 777 in 1995, further solidifying its reputation for embracing cutting-edge technology. United also played a significant role during World War II, contributing to war efforts by providing transport for troops and equipment.

Throughout the 20th century, United was at the forefront of numerous innovations, including the introduction of the Boeing 247 in 1933, a pioneering aircraft that significantly advanced commercial aviation by being faster and more reliable than its predecessors. A total of 75 Boeing Model 247s were produced, with United Air Lines (UAL) obtaining exclusive rights to the initial 60 units. This strategic move by UAL prompted its competitor, Trans World Airlines (TWA), to approach Douglas Aircraft with a request for a new aircraft that could not only compete with but potentially surpass the Model 247. This competition spurred the development of the Douglas DC-3, which would go on to become one of the most pivotal and influential aircraft in the history of aviation.

Historically, United has operated a fleet that featured some of the most iconic aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Skies," which it flew from 1970 until its retirement in 2017, and the Boeing 757, which served as a versatile workhorse for the airline's domestic and transcontinental routes. The airline has been known for its extensive international and domestic network, linking passengers to over 300 destinations worldwide.

United Airlines continues to be a leading airline, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. It has committed to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing passenger experience with modernized fleets and improved service standards. United's history of growth and adaptation reflects its enduring legacy as a pillar in the aviation industry, continuously setting benchmarks for operational excellence and customer service.

Boeing 757-222 At A Glance

Boeing 757-222 Characteristics

• Manufacturer: Boeing
• Tail #: N559UA
• Crew: 7 (2 Pilots, 5 Flight Attendants)
• Seats: 182 Passengers (24 First, 158 Economy)
• Wing Span: 124 Ft 10 In
• Length: 155 Ft 3 In
• Height: 44 Ft 6 In

Boeing 757 Performance

• Range: 3,915 Nm
• Cruise Speed: 458 Kts
• Ceiling: 42,000 Ft
• Empty Weight: 128,840 Lbs
• Max Takeoff Weight: 220,000 Lbs
• Rate Of Climb: 3,200 Ft / Minute
• Engine: 2x Pratt & Whitney Pw2037 Turbofans

N559UA

Photo by Stian Haabeth, used with permission

N559UA, a Boeing 757-222, first graced the skies on June 19, 1992, and was officially welcomed into the United Airlines fleet shortly thereafter on July 6, 1992. Over its dedicated service life, which spanned more than two decades until its retirement in September 2014, this aircraft was a reliable asset for United, flying exclusively for the airline. The 757-222 was typically deployed on a mix of domestic and transcontinental routes, leveraging its medium-range capabilities to connect major cities across the United States. Its versatility made it ideal for operating both high-frequency shuttle services and longer, cross-country flights, embodying the spirit of connectivity and endurance throughout its operational years.

MotoArt Gets a United 757

MotoArt is collaborating closely with United Airlines to catalog their fleet, converting retired aircraft into PlaneTags. This initiative not only preserves the history of United Airlines but also offers aviation enthusiasts a unique piece of memorabilia. MotoArt owner Dave Hall expressed his gratitude for the partnership, stating, "It's an honor for my team and me to save the skin from N559UA before it was lost forever to scrapping." He added that the sale of United PlaneTags will directly benefit the United We Care employee fund, emphasizing, "We are glad to support such a worthy cause that helps United employees in times of need." 

What is United We Care? 

The United We Care Employee Relief Fund is a charitable initiative established to support United Airlines employees and their families during times of unexpected financial distress. Accessible to all United Airlines employees, the fund provides crucial financial assistance in the face of severe hardships, such as natural disasters, serious illnesses, or significant personal emergencies. Over the years, this fund has played a pivotal role in strengthening the United community, delivering timely aid that has helped numerous employees navigate through their most challenging circumstances. A portion of each sale of United Airlines 757 PlaneTags will be donated directly to United We Care. 

United Airlines 757 PlaneTags 

United Airlines 757-222 PlaneTags are made from the original skin of N559UA. They are numbered in a series of 7,500 and will initially available in blue, gold, white, and a combination of colors.

Don’t miss your opportunity to collect the most desirable and rarest colors in the series. Sign up for our newsletter for updates and special offers and don’t forget to visit planetags.com on release days. 

United Airlines PlaneTags

MotoArt, known for transforming retired aircraft parts into collectible PlaneTags, has collaborated with United Airlines to catalog their fleet by creating unique tags from decommissioned aircraft. This partnership not only preserves aviation history but also offers aviation enthusiasts a tangible piece of United Airlines' legacy through creatively repurposed memorabilia, such as the United Airlines 727.

Boeing 757: In Case You Missed These

In case you haven't seen them yet, explore our blog posts about some of the Boeing 757 PlaneTags we've crafted by checking them out here.

• Delta 757: The Backbone of the Fleet
• Boeing 757: Celebrating US Airways Heritage

Thank you to Kim Vanvik for allowing us to use and modify their original photo as inspiration for our display card.