United Adding Wi-Fi, Streaming Services to Regional Jets

United Airlines will add personal device entertainment and Wi-Fi to 200 of its two-cabin regional jets by Summer 2015.

Flyers on United Airlines can expect an upgraded experience when they take to the skies in regional jets next summer. In a press release, the legacy airline announced it will begin installation of Wi-Fi and personal device entertainment systems on its fleet of two-cabin regional aircraft later this year.

United will install the new features on its Embraer E170, E175 and Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft. The regional jets will be outfitted with Gogo ATG-4 advance air-to-ground Wi-Fi systems, which will also deliver personal device entertainment throughout the aircraft.

In addition to the upgrades, United will invest in new seats on its E175 fleet of 120 and more than 100 of its CRJ700 aircraft. Upgraded E175 jets will feature 12 United First seats with in-seat power and 16 Economy Plus seats. United said it will also install “modern seats” and larger overhead bins on its CRJ700s and E175s.

“United is pleased to extend our growing Wi-Fi and personal device entertainment platform to our fleet of larger regional jets,” said Jeff Foland, executive vice president of marketing, technology and strategy. “These new elements will enhance the entire in-flight experience for our customers.”

United plans to complete the upgrades by summer of 2015, increasing the total number of Wi-Fi equipped aircraft in its fleet to 340, including two-thirds of its mainline domestic fleet. The carrier said it plans for its entire mainline fleet to be Wi-Fi equipped by mid-2015. In addition, over 200 of United’s mainline aircraft will have personal device entertainment by the end of 2014. Although Android devices are not universally compatible with the personal device entertainment service, a United representative told USA Today that Android devices will be able to access the service on all the carrier’s aircraft later this year.

[Photo: United Continental Holdings]