United Airlines unveils first new first-class seat in a decade.
United Airlines has revealed its first new premium cabin seat design in nearly a decade, following in the footsteps of competitors such as Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways who have recently modernized their business and first-class offerings. The redesign comes as airlines continue to vie for the loyalty of lucrative premium customers.
The revamped first-class seat, set to debut on domestic flights operated by narrow-body aircraft, incorporates advanced features such as wireless charging stations in the armrests and winged headrests. An 11-by-19-inch partition will be positioned between the two-by-two seat arrangement for added privacy.
United's refurbishment efforts, however, have been impacted by supply chain delays, a hurdle faced by many airlines striving to refresh their fleets and cabins in the wake of the pandemic-induced aviation industry downturn.
United's new premium seat will make its first appearance on a Boeing 737 this month. The carrier anticipates incorporating these seats into 200 narrow-body aircraft, such as the 737s and Airbus A321neos, servicing domestic routes by 2026.
Mark Muren, United's Managing Director of Identity, Product and Loyalty, expressed his vision for the new seat design, stating it symbolizes the future of the carrier's domestic first-class offerings.
The seats will sport three types of charging options: wireless, USB-C, and an AC outlet. Additional enhancements include 13-inch seatback screens, 18-by-8.5-inch tray tables, and upgraded seat cushions.
After assessing numerous variations, United finalized this model, developed by French aerospace firm Safran. While not all aircraft will be fitted with these new seats, United is planning to update its existing first-class seat design, introduced in 2015, with elements from the new design, such as privacy barriers at the headrest and revamped cushions.
United also operates wide-body aircraft on domestic routes between hubs, which are fitted with its luxury Polaris seat, capable of converting into a bed.
United's new premium seat will make its first appearance on a Boeing 737 this month. The carrier anticipates incorporating these seats into 200 narrow-body aircraft, such as the 737s and Airbus A321neos, servicing domestic routes by 2026.
Mark Muren, United's Managing Director of Identity, Product and Loyalty, expressed his vision for the new seat design, stating it symbolizes the future of the carrier's domestic first-class offerings.
The seats will sport three types of charging options: wireless, USB-C, and an AC outlet. Additional enhancements include 13-inch seatback screens, 18-by-8.5-inch tray tables, and upgraded seat cushions.
After assessing numerous variations, United finalized this model, developed by French aerospace firm Safran. While not all aircraft will be fitted with these new seats, United is planning to update its existing first-class seat design, introduced in 2015, with elements from the new design, such as privacy barriers at the headrest and revamped cushions.
United also operates wide-body aircraft on domestic routes between hubs, which are fitted with its luxury Polaris seat, capable of converting into a bed.
