United Airlines recently revamped its service between London Heathrow and New York/Newark. The United States based carrier launched flights with its freshly reconfigured Boeing 767-300ER from 15th September 2019.
The aircraft’s new configuration focuses heavily on premium services with 46 United Polaris business class seats. Subsequently, this means that United offers more business class seats between Heathrow and the New York area than any other US carrier. These premium offerings span across half of the aircraft, not including the aircraft's additional 22 United Premium Plus seats.
Cabin tour
United’s Managing Director Sales for U.K. and Ireland, Bob Schumacher, gave Simple Flying a tour of one of these 767s.
Schumacher showed his excitement in displaying the new features of the aircraft. The businessman stated that the new configuration is an opportunity to show United’s fresh approach to customer service. Customer care was at the center of Schumacher's priorities as he ushered in an era for a 'new United'.
A United press release shared more of the airline’s vision heading into the new decade.
“In reconfiguring our aircraft and adding a new class of service, we are committed to making United the airline that customers choose to fly,” Schumacher stated.
“We have seen a significant increase in customer demand for premium seats and we’re excited to be able to expand the number of seats on all of our flights between London Heathrow and our New York/Newark hub.”
Reinvented business class
The United Polaris seating was introduced by the airline in December 2016, replacing the United BusinessFirst and United Global First service. The focus of the seating’s revision was on better comfort for midflight sleep.
Furthermore, 16 additional transatlantic passengers will now be able to enjoy these amenities on every flight. Along with the the comfortable seat, these passengers will also enjoy luxury dining options provided by The Trotter Project.
Also, custom bedding is provided by Saks Fifth Avenue while premium skincare products are supplied by Sunday Riley. Meanwhile, the aisle is accessible from every seat, giving a 50 percent increase in all-aisle-access seating.
United now operates five daily flights between Heathrow and Newark with these reconfigured 767-300ERs. Schumacher also shared that this reconfiguration is due to follow on London flights to Chicago from November. Reconfigured services to Denver and the west coast are also in the works.
Positive intent
This new approach is matched with United’s upgrade of its loyalty program. These changes improve the way 1K members and Premier Platinum members can use their upgrades to improve their inflight experience. Eventually, these changes will soon go live from December 4, the same period when the airline will be changing routes served by Polaris. There will be an overhaul on a total of eight routes. Ultimately, four of the routes will gain Polaris services while four will lose them.
Furthermore, United is also gearing up to launch the first of its service expansions from December. Seasonal flights to New Delhi from San Francisco will commence from Newark from December 5. Additionally, this will be followed by another service to the Caribbean island of Curacao from Newark from December 7. Similarly, another new route will also open up in May with a service to Nice from Newark.
In conclusion, these operational expansions mark United’s intent to progress further in the next decade with a strong start in 2020.