In-Flight Wireless Charging Takes Off with
United Airlines
(13/07/23)
United Airlines is launching a new first
class seat on its domestic routes that includes a wireless
charging station in every arm rest, as well as many other welcome
upgrades.
The new United First seat – which also features
vegan leather upholstery, 13-inch seatback screens, 18-inch
tray tables, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy screens and an
ergonomically-designed cushion – debuts on its first 737 this month,
and customers will continue to see it rollout this summer.
The
airline expects the new seat to be on 200 domestic planes by 2026,
including B737 NGs, A321neos and B737 MAXs.
"This new United First seat is designed around the
modern traveler – more charging options, bigger spaces for
devices, food, drinks and personal items and extra privacy," said
Mark Muren, United Managing Director of Identity, Product and
Loyalty. "As we evolve the onboard experience, we're upending old
industry norms and anticipating future needs to accommodate the
new ways people live and travel."
Passengers will be able to charge multiple
electronic devices at once with three types of charging docks in
each seat: wireless, an AC household-style outlet and USB-C.
The
wireless charger is located in a compartment of the armrest to
give the passenger line-of-sight to notifications and free their
hands and tray table.
In addition, as a growing number of air travellers
- especially those in more spacious premium cabins - prefer a two-screen
experience where they use a personal device and a seatback screen
simultaneously, the
13-inch, high-definition screens are Bluetooth capable and include
a remote for those unable to reach the touch screen.
Designated space for devices, food, drinks and
more will make it easier for passengers to enjoy the upgraded
experience. A larger, 18 x 8.5 inch tray table features a built-in
tablet holder and enough space for most standard laptops.
Passengers will also have more privacy with a 11 x 19-inch
divider between neighbors, winged headrests and tray tables that
deploy from outer armrests to reduce passenger contact.
The seat
features a 5-inch recline range, adjustable aisle arm rest that
lowers completely and an ergonomcally-designed seat cushion that
sits 1-inch lower to accommodate a wider variety of heights.
In addition to installing the new seats, United
will update existing domestic first class seats on more than 200
planes by 2025.
United First seats on select 737, A319 and A320
aircraft will be redesigned with new seat cushions, vegan leather
upholstery and winged headrests.
The upgrades are United's first changes to its
domestic first class seat design since 2015.
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