“We here at United do not think streaming to your own device is good enough.” With that statement United Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist upended the company’s take on in-flight entertainment for its single-aisle fleet, mapping a new path for the company’s future.
United Airlines
United bets big on premium traffic rebound with 270 plane order
It is the largest new aircraft order in United Airlines’ history and one of the largest single airline orders ever. United will add an additional 270 planes to its backlog, taking it over 500 single-aisle aircraft on order.
United Airlines plans supersonic Boom with new order
United Airlines plans to purchase at least 15 supersonic jets from Boom. If everything goes to plan the jets could be carrying passengers between the US East Coast and Europe by the end of the decade. That’s a big if.
Spirit Airlines bests FAA in Newark slots spat
Spirit Airlines could soon secure more slots at Newark Airport. A ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit found that the FAA acted improperly in choosing to not reallocate slots vacated by Southwest Airlines its Newark station closed in late 2019. As a result of that decision Spirit was unable to increase its presence at the airport. With this ruling, however, the FAA likely will be forced to allocate the slots and Spirit (or other airlines) could pick them up.
Big elite earning boost from United (but it’s probably not your best option)
Nearly half way to elite status with just one flight? That’s what United Airlines is offering to members of its MileagePlus program with the new Pick Your Path promotion. And it might not be the best choice for every member.
Hawaii’s big summer: More flights, bigger planes
Travelers looking to visit Hawaii this summer will have plenty of flight options. Airlines expect high demand to the islands and everyone wants to cash in. More than 1100 weekly flights from the mainland are slated to operate in June 2021.
United adds Europe routes in hopes of a recovery
United Airlines added a trio of routes to Europe for the upcoming Summer season, banking on borders reopening and vaccinated passengers being able to vacation. Additional capacity to Croatia, Iceland and Greece is planned starting in July.
United bringing AVOD update in interiors retrofit
In a nod to a more generous in-seat entertainment experience, United Airlines plans an AVOD upgrade for at least part of its single-aisle fleet. In a message to employees on Thursday Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist indicated that an interior retrofit is on the way for “our older narrow-body airplanes, putting in new bins, AVOD, and new seats.”
Where the wide-bodies are
As domestic travel demand rebounds in the US and international borders generally remain closed the US airlines are reshuffling their wide-body operations. Many routes that typically operated with a single-aisle aircraft in the before times are scheduled to see twin-aisle service in the coming months.
United targets leisure traffic in Summer hub-skipping pivot
A couple years ago air service to Maine was fading. But last year it was a safe summer vacation destination for many amid the pandemic. This summer Portland sees a reward for that, with seven new routes added from Midwest non-hub airports on United Airlines.