United Airlines Unveils New International First Class Suite
United focuses on providing premium customers with luxury international, overseas travel experience
LONDON, 12 December 2006 – United Airlines today unveiled initial details about the previously announced $165 million upgrade to its international widebody fleet that includes a new luxurious United First Suite, which provides passengers with more privacy, personal space and comfort on overseas flights. The new suite was designed to be the optimal space to work, sleep or relax while enjoying the latest entertainment and exclusive amenities.
“Our premium customers have told us what would make them more relaxed and comfortable, and we’re using their feedback to shape our new first class products and services,” said Graham Atkinson, United's executive vice president and chief customer officer. “Our goal is to improve space, amenities and services, so we can enhance the entire international premium travel experience on United, from check-in to arrival.”
The new First Suite is nearly three inches wider than the existing, popular United First Suite and reclines to multiple angles or serves as a fully flat 6-foot, 6-inch bed.
Each suite offers a cutting-edge entertainment system providing a 15.4-inch widescreen flat panel monitor with an on-demand digital video and music system that offers multiple selections of movies, TV programmes and video games. United also will offer 50 channels of XM-branded audio content, delivering more than 3,000 songs and a jukebox to create customized play lists. Both the entertainment system navigation controls and content will be offered in several languages.
Among the suite’s amenities are:
- a 110-volt universal plug for laptop power, compatible with power outlets for 145 countries.
- a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port to charge personal electronic devices, such as personal digital assistants, cell phones and digital cameras.
- multiple stowage compartments to accommodate a laptop bag and other personal items.
- noise-cancelling headphones.
- an Apple iPod connector that enables customers to play their own music and video on the suite’s entertainment unit as well as recharging the iPod unit.
- United will begin introducing the luxury First Suites in the fourth quarter of 2007 and upgrade its entire 97 aircraft widebody international fleet, which includes B767, B777 and B747 aircraft.
Earlier this year, United announced its strategy to provide differentiated products and services to its premium customers. More details about United’s international travel enhancements, including upgrades to its onboard service, will be announced in the coming months.
United is the only U.S. airline that offers three cabins of service on all of its international, overseas flights. In addition to first and business services, United offers economy class that includes Economy Plus® seating, which provides up to five extra inches of legroom.
About United
United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates more than 3,700* flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 210 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United is also a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 842 destinations in 152 countries worldwide. United's 57,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at unitedairlines.co.uk
*Based on the flight schedule between May 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2006.
|
