United Airlines said Tuesday that it ordered 100 new Boeing 787s, a large, twin-aisle jetliner, to replace planes that are nearing retirement age and allow United to expand its international flying.United also added to its order book for the smaller Boeing 737 Max, which is used on domestic flights.The companies did not disclose financial terms of the orders. United said it can choose among three sizes of the 787, which carry list prices ranging from $248 million to $338 million per plane, but airlines routinely negotiate deep discounts on aircraft orders. Moody's Investors Service estimated the value of the 787 orders at $16 billion after discounts. Other analysts said it could be worth up to $19 billion depending on the mix of 787 versions that United eventually selects.

The massive order United called it the biggest ever by a U.S. airline for twin-aisle or "widebody" planes is a bold move for an airline that lost money throughout the pandemic until the middle of this year. Executives at United and other airlines are sounding bullish, however, as travel demand has bounced back nearly to 2019 levels and ticket prices have surged higher than a year ago because of fewer flights. United Airlines is rated Ba1, with a negative outlook.

For 5 extra credit points, please explain:

1. why does Moody's track Boeing news like this?
2. what impact might this have on Boeing's credit rating?
3. what impact might this have on United Airlines' credit rating?

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