Seat-back video screens will not feature in United Airline’s refresh of its economy class transpacific cabins, with the carrier investing instead on its premium cabins.

Economy class modernisation (which includes its economy plus product), however, is restricted to a “refresh” of décor, cushions and bins, said Graham Atkinson, United’s chief customer officer.

Seat-back IFE has been ruled out, he said, due to the complexity and cost associated with rewiring the 32 Boeing 747-400s that serve Pacific routes. United’s 767s and 777, used on Atlantic and Asian routes, will feature economy class seat-back IFE.

Instead, current rear projection screens will be replaced with liquid crystal display models and eight additional screens will be placed in the economy cabin and the audio system upgraded, he added.