How United Airlines Is Balancing The Introduction Of Its Retroffited Narrowbodies

United Airlines has been making grand strides with its retrofit program in recent years. Despite supply chain delays, the carrier has been cracking on with its revamps. With this in mind, Simple Flying spoke with United’s management yesterday to find out more about the project.

Step by step

Before the pandemic, United had already launched an ambitious revamp program concerning its widebodies, fitting in Polaris seats on its long-haul aircraft. After a slight pause during the early months of the health crisis, the Chicago-based carrier’s teams decided to push ahead on Boeing 787 Dreamliner work. Moreover, after extensive work on retrofitting its 767-300ERs, the airline began similar work on its 767-400ERs.

Thus, following all this progress, the airline has increasingly turned its attention to its narrowbody jets. The program involves the return of seatback inflight entertainment (IFE), with 13-inch screens in first and 10-inch screens in economy. Power outlets, USB ports also feature, and larger overhead bins are also part of the program. Meanwhile, those looking for more room for movement will enjoy an economy plus seat with extra legroom.

All in all, over 100 aircraft are part of the project, with United debuting its first retrofitted Airbus A319 in May. Along with the above, other upgrades included:

• High-speed WiFi.
• Bluetooth for IFE audio.
• LED ambient lighting.

Pushing ahead

The activity continued throughout the summer as United also introduced its retrofitted A320 before proudly showing off the first of its 737-800s with retrofitted United First cabins. Altogether, the operator is keen to have consistency throughout its narrowbody fleet, keeping on brand wherever a passenger is flying.

There were some concerns with the schedule of the program earlier in the year. In April, Andrew Nocella, United’s Chief Commercial Officer, shared that supply challenges have led to issues with the manufacturing of seats, systems, and chips. The initial target of having 100 fits completed by the end of the year was reduced to 60.

A piece of the pie

United EVP and Chief Customer Officer Linda Jojo explained what passengers have been appreciating about the new interiors. Notably, the initiative is part of a larger strategy that sees over 700 planes arriving by 2033.

“At United, we have a multi-year plan. It’s called United Next. It’s about growing the airline and giving our customers more choices. We have a huge aircraft order book to allow us to fly to more places. We are flying new planes with new technology and are retrofitting existing aircraft. A third of our narrowbody fleet will have new interiors, whether it’s a new or retrofitted plane,

“This includes bigger bins, so everyone can bring a carry-on bag. The cabin also has high-tech IFE that your Bluetooth headphones will work with, and great lighting and WiFi – things that customers love.”

Photo: United Airlines

Jojo also shed light on how her airline has had to balance several factors across the board before introducing new interiors. She concedes that while she would love the cabins to be in operation swiftly, she understands there is plenty to consider.

“We’re trying to balance a bunch of things. As chief customer officer, I want to go as fast as possible because when I look at our customer surveys, they score these planes off the charts. But the reality is we have to manage between when they’re in heavy check maintenance and how that works. So we’re timing this as much as possible,

“We’re a big airline, so it’s going to take a couple of years. However, every chance we get, if we can add an extra line here and there, that’s what we’re doing.”

United is covering all angles with its cabins. While it expects new Airbus A321neo, A321XLR, A350, 737 MAX, and 787 aircraft to arrive with fresh interiors over the next decade, it’s ensuring its existing offering is up to scratch.

What are your thoughts about United Airlines’ retrofit program? What do you think of the overall prospects of the initiative? Let us know what you think of the carrier and its plans in the comment section.