United Airlines Introduces New Signature Seat Design

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Oct 03, 2013, 02:22 ET

CHICAGO, Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today unveiled a new, signature seat design focused on customer comfort and environmental responsibility, with a sophisticated, modern look. The company will deploy the new seats on hundreds of aircraft that fly within the United States, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean.

The new design includes:

Bold elements, such as multi-tonal leather seat covers, distinctive double-stitch patterns, sculpted contouring and a new United-branded tag
More ergonomic and supportive cushioning and additional seat-back storage space in United Economy Plus and United Economy
Technology that makes the seats more environmentally friendly by reducing seat weight and volume, contributing to less fuel burn

The airline is introducing the new design today with a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by United Express carrier SkyWest Airlines. United expects to deploy the new look on its domestic mainline aircraft and on regional aircraft operated by United Express carriers. Ultimately, United plans the new design to be on more than 60,000 seats on more than 500 aircraft, including, United anticipates, approximately 400 aircraft by 2015.

"Our customers will see a distinctive, consistent look on our aircraft that underscores our modern fleet and our onboard investments to make their travels more user-friendly," said Jeff Foland, United's executive vice president of marketing, technology and strategy.

The airline developed the seats with global travel and transport design consultant Priestmangoode.

Photos are available at http://newsroom.unitedcontinentalholdings.com/seatredesign.

Customer-Friendly Upgrades
In September, United ranked among the top airlines in "Best Economy Class Flight Experience" in the USA Today-sponsored "10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards" contest. As United continues to invest in customer products and service in the air and on the ground, the airline also offers:

More aircraft with premium-cabin flat-bed seats than any other U.S. carrier
More aircraft with extra-legroom economy seating than any other U.S. carrier
Nearly 100 Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft and plans to outfit approximately 30 aircraft with satellite Wi-Fi each month, with nearly all of United's worldwide mainline fleet on schedule for completion in 2014
Upgraded United Club lounges in Chicago O'Hare Terminal 2, Seattle and San Diego
More aircraft with live television available than any other airline in the world

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,341 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines