United Airlines announced (18-Jan-2018) plans to make "major investments" in the following initiatives in 2018:
- International network to include destinations such as Papeete (Tahiti), Reykjavik (Iceland) and Porto (Portugal). The carrier also plans to improve its domestic schedules and connect to more destinations;
- United's Premium Plus product "is coming" later in 2018, and will be available on select international services. The premium economy fare will offer more spacious seating, upgraded dining on china dinnerware, free alcoholic beverages, a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow, and an amenity kit;
- Improvements to united.com as well as a new version of the United app. The carrier will add free personal device entertainment to all services equipped with DIRECTV, meaning all frequencies with at least 70 seats will have one free entertainment option available;
- Inflight WiFi hardware and software to be upgraded to increase internet bandwidth and more seamlessly transition between satellites, which means fewer gaps in coverage and fewer connection drops. The first 10 aircraft equipped with the new technology provided passengers with 40% more data. United is also finalising plans for next gen satellite WiFi that will allow customers to stream video inflight. [more - original PR]