Last edit by: WineCountryUA
United Adds More Than 1,600 New Premium Seats to International, Domestic and Regional Aircraft; More Comfort for More Customers in the Skies
United to add 50 percent more premium cabin seats to more than 100 aircraft
United to introduce best-in-the-sky 50-seat flying experience with innovative new aircraft
CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2019
United Airlines today announced the next step in its commitment to making more customers more comfortable by adding more than 1,600 United Polaris® business class and United First seats to nearly 250 international and domestic aircraft. Additionally, United will revolutionize the regional flying experience by introducing the two-cabin, 50-seat Bombardier CRJ 550 aircraft to its fleet, offering customers on key regional routes more legroom, storage and amenities than any other 50-seat regional aircraft operating today.
Click here to view an infographic on United's newly reconfigured aircraft
"In an era where many airlines are adding seats to their aircraft to crowd more passengers onto the plane, we're re-configuring more than 100 of our aircraft and doing exactly the opposite – for the benefit of our customers," said Andrew Nocella, United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "From adding more premium seats on aircraft that serve some of our most traveled routes, introducing a revolutionary, best-in-class 50-seat experience or simply offering free DIRECTV on more than 200 aircraft, we are committed to making United the airline that our customers choose to fly."
More United Polaris business seats on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft
In the next several weeks, United will introduce to its fleet the first of 21 reconfigured Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring 16 additional United Polaris business seats in the premium cabin – a more than 50 percent increase in all-aisle-access seating – bringing the total premium cabin seat count to 46. The newly reconfigured aircraft will also feature 22 United® Premium Plus seats (becoming the first 767-300ER to offer this seat type); 47 Economy Plus® seats and 52 Economy seats. United will first operate the reconfigured 767 – which will feature the highest proportion of premium seats on any widebody operated by any U.S. carrier – between Newark/New York and London, offering 50 percent more premium seats in the largest premium route in the world. The airline expects to introduce all the reconfigured aircraft to its fleet by the end of next year.
More United First seats on Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft
United is also adding more United First® seats to its fleet of Airbus aircraft, offering customers greater opportunities to upgrade and enjoy a premium flying experience. Beginning this fall, the carrier will add four United First seats on its fleet of Airbus A319s, increasing the total count from eight to 12. The reconfigured aircraft will also feature 36 Economy Plus and 78 Economy seats.
Beginning early next year, United will add four United First seats on its fleet of nearly 100 Airbus A320 aircraft, increasing the total count from 12 to 16. The reconfigured aircraft will also feature 39 Economy Plus seats and 95 Economy seats. United expects to complete the reconfiguration of the Airbus A320 and A319s by the middle of next year.
Introducing the first-of-its-kind Bombardier CRJ 550
By the end of this year, United will revolutionize the regional flying experience with the planned introduction of 50 spacious, 50-seat Bombardier CRJ 550 aircraft to its regional fleet, subject to government certification. In addition to becoming the only 50-seat aircraft in the world to offer true first-class seating, the innovative new aircraft will provide customers with a truly exceptional flying experience, including a state-of-the-art interior featuring LED lighting, a self-serve beverage and snack station for customers seated in the premium cabin, Wi-Fi and more overall legroom per seat than any other 50-seat aircraft flown by any U.S. carrier. Additionally, the CRJ 550 will feature four storage closets, providing customers ample room to store their carryon bags and making the CRJ 550 the only regional jet in the skies where customers will not need to routinely gate check their bags.
The two-cabin CRJ 550 will feature 10 United First seats; 20 Economy Plus seats and 20 Economy seats. The CRJ 550 aircraft will eventually replace existing single-cabin 50-seat aircraft and will bring a higher percentage of two-cabin departures to smaller cities across the carrier's network. Additionally, the innovative aircraft will enable United to offer premium seats on more connecting flights from smaller cities to the airline's overall global network, further strengthening its competitive position and emphasizing its role as an industry innovator.
United expects that its regional partner GoJet will begin operating the CRJ 550 in the second half of this year – subject to agreement on final terms and conditions – on select routes from Chicago, O'Hare followed by Newark/New York, offering customers connecting through the hub the opportunity to enjoy a premium cabin experience at every step of their journey.
Every customer. Every flight. Every day.
In 2019, United is focusing more than ever on its commitment to its customers, looking at every aspect of its business to ensure that the carrier keeps customers' best interests at the heart of its service. In addition to today's announcement, United recently released a re-imagined version of the most downloaded app in the airline industry and made DIRECTV free for every passenger on 211 aircraft, offering more than 100 channels on seat back monitors on more than 30,000 seats. The multimillion-dollar investment in improving inflight entertainment options will benefit the more than 29 million people expected to fly United's DIRECTV-enabled planes this year.
United to add 50 percent more premium cabin seats to more than 100 aircraft
United to introduce best-in-the-sky 50-seat flying experience with innovative new aircraft
CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2019
United Airlines today announced the next step in its commitment to making more customers more comfortable by adding more than 1,600 United Polaris® business class and United First seats to nearly 250 international and domestic aircraft. Additionally, United will revolutionize the regional flying experience by introducing the two-cabin, 50-seat Bombardier CRJ 550 aircraft to its fleet, offering customers on key regional routes more legroom, storage and amenities than any other 50-seat regional aircraft operating today.
Click here to view an infographic on United's newly reconfigured aircraft
"In an era where many airlines are adding seats to their aircraft to crowd more passengers onto the plane, we're re-configuring more than 100 of our aircraft and doing exactly the opposite – for the benefit of our customers," said Andrew Nocella, United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "From adding more premium seats on aircraft that serve some of our most traveled routes, introducing a revolutionary, best-in-class 50-seat experience or simply offering free DIRECTV on more than 200 aircraft, we are committed to making United the airline that our customers choose to fly."
More United Polaris business seats on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft
In the next several weeks, United will introduce to its fleet the first of 21 reconfigured Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring 16 additional United Polaris business seats in the premium cabin – a more than 50 percent increase in all-aisle-access seating – bringing the total premium cabin seat count to 46. The newly reconfigured aircraft will also feature 22 United® Premium Plus seats (becoming the first 767-300ER to offer this seat type); 47 Economy Plus® seats and 52 Economy seats. United will first operate the reconfigured 767 – which will feature the highest proportion of premium seats on any widebody operated by any U.S. carrier – between Newark/New York and London, offering 50 percent more premium seats in the largest premium route in the world. The airline expects to introduce all the reconfigured aircraft to its fleet by the end of next year.
More United First seats on Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft
United is also adding more United First® seats to its fleet of Airbus aircraft, offering customers greater opportunities to upgrade and enjoy a premium flying experience. Beginning this fall, the carrier will add four United First seats on its fleet of Airbus A319s, increasing the total count from eight to 12. The reconfigured aircraft will also feature 36 Economy Plus and 78 Economy seats.
Beginning early next year, United will add four United First seats on its fleet of nearly 100 Airbus A320 aircraft, increasing the total count from 12 to 16. The reconfigured aircraft will also feature 39 Economy Plus seats and 95 Economy seats. United expects to complete the reconfiguration of the Airbus A320 and A319s by the middle of next year.
Introducing the first-of-its-kind Bombardier CRJ 550
By the end of this year, United will revolutionize the regional flying experience with the planned introduction of 50 spacious, 50-seat Bombardier CRJ 550 aircraft to its regional fleet, subject to government certification. In addition to becoming the only 50-seat aircraft in the world to offer true first-class seating, the innovative new aircraft will provide customers with a truly exceptional flying experience, including a state-of-the-art interior featuring LED lighting, a self-serve beverage and snack station for customers seated in the premium cabin, Wi-Fi and more overall legroom per seat than any other 50-seat aircraft flown by any U.S. carrier. Additionally, the CRJ 550 will feature four storage closets, providing customers ample room to store their carryon bags and making the CRJ 550 the only regional jet in the skies where customers will not need to routinely gate check their bags.
The two-cabin CRJ 550 will feature 10 United First seats; 20 Economy Plus seats and 20 Economy seats. The CRJ 550 aircraft will eventually replace existing single-cabin 50-seat aircraft and will bring a higher percentage of two-cabin departures to smaller cities across the carrier's network. Additionally, the innovative aircraft will enable United to offer premium seats on more connecting flights from smaller cities to the airline's overall global network, further strengthening its competitive position and emphasizing its role as an industry innovator.
United expects that its regional partner GoJet will begin operating the CRJ 550 in the second half of this year – subject to agreement on final terms and conditions – on select routes from Chicago, O'Hare followed by Newark/New York, offering customers connecting through the hub the opportunity to enjoy a premium cabin experience at every step of their journey.
Every customer. Every flight. Every day.
In 2019, United is focusing more than ever on its commitment to its customers, looking at every aspect of its business to ensure that the carrier keeps customers' best interests at the heart of its service. In addition to today's announcement, United recently released a re-imagined version of the most downloaded app in the airline industry and made DIRECTV free for every passenger on 211 aircraft, offering more than 100 channels on seat back monitors on more than 30,000 seats. The multimillion-dollar investment in improving inflight entertainment options will benefit the more than 29 million people expected to fly United's DIRECTV-enabled planes this year.
United Adding 1600 Premium Seats -- 763, A319/A320, CRJ550(CRJ700)
#286
Join Date: Mar 2008
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I’m right now in an unconverted 319 right now and it looks about the same...
#287
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#288
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It’s hard to tell from the pics, but it’s def cramped up there for them. The rear portion of F looked the same, it was just the front bulkhead that you could tell was pushed forward. So I’m guessing a loss of a row of e+, then a little lost in the front galley. It’s nice to have the extra seats though.
#290
Join Date: Feb 2010
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CRJ-550 starts EWR-GSO service tomorrow as UA 4516 at 9:30am. Has it already been on ex-EWR routes or is this the first service out of EWR?
I'm on one of these this Saturday EWR-GSO, already CPU'd to 4A. (2A initially, but quickly moved myself to 4A.)
(Added) The aircraft shuttled in this morning empty as UA3378 ORD-EWR.
I'm on one of these this Saturday EWR-GSO, already CPU'd to 4A. (2A initially, but quickly moved myself to 4A.)
(Added) The aircraft shuttled in this morning empty as UA3378 ORD-EWR.
Last edited by tarheelnj; Feb 12, 2020 at 6:43 pm Reason: Added comment
#291
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It’s hard to tell from the pics, but it’s def cramped up there for them. The rear portion of F looked the same, it was just the front bulkhead that you could tell was pushed forward. So I’m guessing a loss of a row of e+, then a little lost in the front galley. It’s nice to have the extra seats though.
#292
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston/DC
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 564
What ever happened to the A319/A320 FC expansions. I have been on several A320's over the past few months & all have been on the 12 FC seat version & not the 16 FC seat version. I assume that this project became a $$$ victim of the pandemic, but curious if they will start it back up?
Dying at #1 on several A320 upgrade lists lately made me think about this
Dying at #1 on several A320 upgrade lists lately made me think about this
#293
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,470
What ever happened to the A319/A320 FC expansions. I have been on several A320's over the past few months & all have been on the 12 FC seat version & not the 16 FC seat version. I assume that this project became a $$$ victim of the pandemic, but curious if they will start it back up?
Dying at #1 on several A320 upgrade lists lately made me think about this
Dying at #1 on several A320 upgrade lists lately made me think about this
#294
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
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Posts: 15,029
The bulkhead seats look like legroom has been whittled a bit. If I was a tall person, I'm not sure I'd want an upgrade if only 1A or F were available. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't pay for those out of my own pocket.
Interestingly, UA's a/c spec page shows the a/c w/ added F have 35" pitch in E+ vs 34" in the unconverted. The F seats in both both have 37" pitch, but recline in the new F seats are only 4" vs 6" w/ old seats. Seems like they made F seats worse (albeit with 4 more) and E+ better.
Edit: I don't fly the 319 too much (although I've been on them more frequently lately) - if there were originally two configurations of this a/c (and they are shown on UA's a/c page) - never mind
Interestingly, UA's a/c spec page shows the a/c w/ added F have 35" pitch in E+ vs 34" in the unconverted. The F seats in both both have 37" pitch, but recline in the new F seats are only 4" vs 6" w/ old seats. Seems like they made F seats worse (albeit with 4 more) and E+ better.
Edit: I don't fly the 319 too much (although I've been on them more frequently lately) - if there were originally two configurations of this a/c (and they are shown on UA's a/c page) - never mind
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Jun 10, 2021 at 11:19 am
#295
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Posts: 66,859
What ever happened to the A319/A320 FC expansions. I have been on several A320's over the past few months & all have been on the 12 FC seat version & not the 16 FC seat version. I assume that this project became a $$$ victim of the pandemic, but curious if they will start it back up?
Dying at #1 on several A320 upgrade lists lately made me think about this
Dying at #1 on several A320 upgrade lists lately made me think about this
Some recent discussion in the fleet thread -- United Airlines Fleet Updates [2021 Edition]
#297
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#298
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Posts: 14,891
What ever happened to the A319/A320 FC expansions. I have been on several A320's over the past few months & all have been on the 12 FC seat version & not the 16 FC seat version. I assume that this project became a $$$ victim of the pandemic, but curious if they will start it back up?
Dying at #1 on several A320 upgrade lists lately made me think about this
Dying at #1 on several A320 upgrade lists lately made me think about this
interestingly enough, many (though I’m not sure if it’s absolutely all) of the 319 segments I’ve looked at for booking are capped out at F8. I’m not sure if they’re just doing this to certain routes that are more likely to have these 8F birds, or all for flexibility and in case of last minute swaps. At 2/78, it’s a pretty low chance - seat maps ive looked at all show 3 rows of F, but if they only are selling 8 in general (at least until they are clearer on exact from used at~T-48, it means on a 319, a good chance there will be upgrades at the gate (or upsells
at checkin).
If they wanted to get it done quickly, they probably had ample chance over the past year when fleet utilization was lower so to do it quickly while they were off cycle, and then have it ready for when biz travel picks up fully again. Of course, that would have probably meant a lot more upgrades they would have been handing out.
at this point, I wonder if they want to wait until biz travel picks up again to where it was (2023/24 seems to be the consensus I’ve heard most recently), and do it then or hold out as long as they think they can before then. If they don’t think the demand is there, they may not want to outlay the capital only to have to dole out those extra CPUs for the next couple of years while the paid demand isn’t there. Of course, as it stands, looks odd to have the smaller A319 fleet with the same amount of F seats as the larger 320.