New Aircraft To Initially Operate From Carrier's Houston And Los Angeles Hubs

United Airlines has announced the addition of its newest aircraft type, the Boeing 737 MAX 9, to its domestic flight schedules. The MAX 9 features Boeing's Advanced Technology winglets and fuel efficient engines providing a quieter ride and the ability to fly farther on less fuel.

United expects to begin operating MAX 9 aircraft on June 7, between its hub at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and five cities. Beginning June 29, United expects to add additional MAX 9 flights from its Houston and Los Angeles hubs including service between Los Angeles and Honolulu.

"The addition of the MAX 9 furthers our efforts to become a more efficient and productive airline. It has better fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs and does all of this while maximizing customer comfort," said United's Chief Financial Officer Andrew Levy. This year, United will receive 10 new MAX 9 aircraft from Boeing and will continue to add service from its hubs to cities throughout the United States.

The Boeing 737 MAX 9 features 179 seats including 20 United First seats in a 2-2 configuration, 48 in Economy Plus in a 3-3 configuration with 34 inches of pitch, and 111 United Economy seats in a 3-3 configuration with at least 30 inches of pitch. Customers also have access to in-seat power outlets and the opportunity to purchase satellite Wi-Fi. United Private Screening personal device entertainment will be available throughout the aircraft and enables customers to play thousands of hours of movies and television programs on their electronic devices.

United's new, extra-spacious United First seat features contoured, two-tone leather, a six-way adjustable headrest and a padded articulating seat cushion. The seat is equipped with storage spaces for personal items, including an in-arm tablet/laptop slot, a personal water bottle console and double seatback pockets. The seat also features a new tray table design with a flip-up mobile device holder that fits more than 200 phone and tablet models, and a universal AC power plug to charge devices on the fly. A granite-topped extendable cocktail table in the center console adds an extra bit of elegance, keeping the tray table free for eating, working or staying entertained.

(Source: United Airlines news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.united.com