Originally Posted by SEA_Tigger
This plane had neither ovens or refrigeration, so UAX might not be ordering them with this option (which I hear is available). So that means no hot meals and on this run, no milk, either. I know Shuttle used to not carry milk due to no on-board refers, so not sure if this was a catering decision based on distance (the flight was less then an hour) or a limitation of the design. The plane had ice and I get milk on CRJ-700s and CRJ-200s and EMB-120s, so I imagine it's just a catering decision.
The lack of ovens/refrigeration (as well as an entertainment system) is a decision that UA/UAX made, not a limitation of the EMB170/175/190/195 design. JetBlue and AirCanada has outfitted their EMB170-195 series with all of the above (including the trademark JetBlue DirecTV screens on every seatback).
I join in the chorus of praises for the Embraer series--the first newly-developed family of narrow-body jets in 25 years--since the Airbus 318/319/320/321 series was conceived. In terms of cabin comfort and amenities, it trumps both 737/320 families, as exemplied by 2x2 seating, wider seat width, and larger eye-level windows. It combines the best of both worlds--commuter jet operating efficiency and better-than-737/320 comfort. Give a big hand to the Brazilian design/engineering team.