United Airlines selects Honeywell to provide a wide range of avionics for new 737 MAX aircraft

Honeywell has been selected by United Airlines to provide a wide range of avionics for new 737 MAX aircraft that will enter service over the next decade, including technologies such as the industry's only 3D weather radar, new 25-hour flight data recorders and advanced traffic avoidance systems.

United Airlines first selected a similar suite of Honeywell avionics in 2018 to equip 161 737 MAX aircraft, and this latest agreement builds on Honeywell's reliability in delivering world-class aerospace technology.

"We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with United Airlines to provide advanced avionics for its growing 737 MAX fleet," said Heath Patrick, President, Americas Aftermarket, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. "Our technology reduces pilot workload, improves situational awareness and supports dispatch reliability."

United Airlines selected the following Honeywell cockpit technologies for its 737 MAX fleet:

IntuVue RDR-4000 3D Weather Radar System is the first automatic commercial radar to accurately depict weather in the flight path of an aeroplane. IntuVue automatically scans the sky at 17 tilt angles — the most in the industry — and delivers a 3D view of the weather through an intuitive display that pilots can quickly and easily reference.

Honeywell Connected Recorder – 25 is made for commercial air transport aircraft to accommodate mandatory flight data and cockpit voice recording. It may result in the potential for better maintenance predictability and operational insight through data analytics.

Honeywell's TPA100B Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System and TRA 100B Transponders identify the aircraft to other surrounding aircraft via an airborne collision avoidance system.

Integrated Multi-Mode Receiver is the industry's leader in radio navigation and combines satellite- and ground-based navigation systems into one receiver. It helps pinpoint precise aeroplane locations for efficient landings, especially during difficult and new runway approaches.

The ALA-52B radar altimeter assists instrument landings at hundreds of U.S. airports and filters out 5G broadband interference.

United Airlines Announces Second-Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Achieves 2Q EPS Expectations

United's key revenue diversity advantages – Premium revenue, Basic Economy revenue and market share shift among domestic road warriors – gained additional momentum in 2Q

                        United Airlines today reported second-quarter 2024 financial results. The company had pre-tax earnings of $1.7 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 11.6%; adjusted pre-tax earnings¹ of $1.8 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin¹ of 12.1%. The company expects pre-tax margin to be near the top of the industry. The company also achieved diluted earnings per share of $3.96; adjusted diluted earnings per share¹ of $4.14, in line with second-quarter 2024 guidance provided at the start of the quarter. The company continues to expect full-year 2024 adjusted diluted earnings per share² of $9 to $11.

For nearly two years, the airline has been anticipating significant domestic capacity reductions recently announced by a variety of U.S. airlines this summer and mid-August is an inflection point, with published schedule changes showing an approximately 3 point decline in industry capacity growth rate. The airline expects three critical revenue diversity advantages that propelled it to the top of the industry during this challenging period to further accelerate. The first, premium revenue, grew 8.5% in the second quarter versus the same quarter last year. The second, Basic Economy revenue, grew 38% year-over-year during the quarter. The third, market share among domestic road warriors, increased during the quarter year-over-year.  

"The revenue diversity advantages that we've built with our premium customers, Basic Economy customers, and domestic road warriors, on top of the world's best loyalty program and leading customer service, have propelled our margins to near the top of the industry," said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. "Looking forward, we see multiple airlines have begun to cancel loss-making capacity, and we expect leading unit revenue performance among our largest peers in the second half of the third quarter. United has long been preparing for the moment when industry wide domestic capacity would adjust - it's now clear that inflection point is just 30 days away."

United has also continued to strategically manage the business in the face of industry wide challenges. United reduced costs and delivered CASM of down 4.8% and better-than-expected CASM-ex¹ of up 2.1%. The airline also generated net cash provided by operating activities of $2.9 billion and $1.9 billion of free cash flow¹ in the quarter. In early July, the company voluntarily prepaid the remaining balance of the high-cost MileagePlus term loan, totaling $1.8 billion, which further strengthens its balance sheet and reduces the airline's interest burden in the years ahead. The airline ended the quarter with trailing twelve months adjusted net debt to EBITDAR of 2.6x³. Looking ahead, United has also reduced planned domestic capacity by approximately 3 points in the fourth quarter, compared to the company's previous plan – reflecting the airline's firm commitment to taking its own action to adjust to current trends.

Wrexham AFC Up, Up and Away with United Airlines

Flying high with United! Newly promoted Wrexham AFC men’s first team and Wrexham AFC Women take off from London Heathrow Terminal 2, the Queen’s Terminal, on their highly anticipated ‘Wrex Coast Tour’ across North America, where the women’s team will make their US debut.

Wrexham AFC’s summer tour follows hot on the heels of United’s latest exciting chapter in their official front-of shirt sponsorship, with the release of ReUnited, an original documentary that tells the heartwarming story of five Wrexham fans travelling from Patagonia to Wrexham for the first time, as well as the airline’s new, limited-edition Wrexham AFC inflight amenity kits and pyjamas, currently available for travellers flying in United’s premium cabins on long-haul international routes.

For the 2024-2025 season, United is excited to continue its partnership with the Wrexham AFC team and fans that represent the best of what professional sports has to offer. With Wrexham AFC’s recent promotion to League One and surge in global popularity with the Emmy® award-winning show FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham”, the team, city and fans around the world are united as never before.

 

United has been serving the U.K. for over 30 years and this summer is offering up to 20 daily flights from London Heathrow to its hubs at Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington/Dulles. United also offers year-round service from Edinburgh to New York/Newark and seasonal service from Edinburgh to Chicago and Washington/Dulles.

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United applies to boost services between San Francisco and Washington National Airport

The proposed new daily nonstop flight from San Francisco and Washington National will provide more options and flexibility for travellers.

 As well as easy connections to more than 30 destinations in United's network

United Airlines has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a new daily roundtrip flight between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

If approved, the new route will give customers more nonstop options between DCA and SFO and provide connections from SFO to about two dozen domestic markets within the Western U.S. – as well as seven international destinations. At least nine of these destinations are without United connection options to DCA via San Francisco today. Furthermore, United's proposed route seeks to avoid the busiest travel times at DCA, which is already one of the most congested airports in the country.

"With our hub in San Francisco, United is well positioned to serve the strong customer demand for air travel between Washington National and the Bay Area," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines. "If awarded by the DOT, this new service will give customers a unique morning departure from Washington National and a unique afternoon departure from San Francisco, as well as more connectivity for both domestic and international travellers via SFO."

United's proposed flight would avoid the most congested travel times at DCA and provide additional scheduling options to customers by offering for the first time a morning departure from DCA to SFO and an afternoon departure from SFO to DCA. United plans to use the Boeing MAX 8 aircraft, with 150 economy cabin seats and 166 total seats.

United Now Texts Live Radar Maps and Uses AI to Keep Travellers Informed During Weather Delays

United now texts customers links to local, live radar maps during weather delays, as part of its industry-leading effort to give travellers as much real-time information as possible about their trip, especially if things don't go as planned. For the past few years, the airline has used dedicated teams to write and send text messages to customers that give near-instantaneous details about a given flight – everything from gate changes and boarding times to more specifics regarding aircraft swaps, crew rescheduling and weather events – and the teams now use generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) tools to assist in giving more travellers real-time updates during flight delays.

United's latest innovation – real-time radar maps – can help customers understand how inclement weather in one part of the country can impact a flight elsewhere. United is the first and only U.S. airline currently providing its customers these kinds of specific messages, and the airline is sending them with assistance from gen AI tools.

"With more people travelling this summer than ever, we wanted to give our customers an easier way to stay connected to real-time information about their flight and texting was the simplest solution," said Jason Birnbaum, United's Chief Information Officer. "We know customers appreciate transparency and by combining innovative technology-enabled tools with people power, we can give more people, even more in-the-moment details about their flight."

The release of these new innovations comes as United expects its busiest Fourth of July weekend on record with more than five million passengers flying between June 28 and July 8, up more than 7% compared to last year.

Here's how it works:

Specialised customer service teams sit in the network operations centre alongside the flight operations teams and tap gen AI to review flight data and write customer messages that tells the complete story of a flight change. These messages are sent to customers through text or email in an effort to provide more helpful and relevant information about why flight plans are changing.

United Teams Up with Chicago Bears to Support Special Olympics

United teamed up with the Chicago Bears today at O'Hare International Airport to support Special Olympics, Inc. ("Special Olympics"). Chicago Bears Tight End Cole Kmet worked alongside the airline's Special Olympics Service Ambassadors for the day to help drive awareness of the organization's travel needs.

United launched the Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) Program in 2019, inviting Special Olympics athletes to work in airports as part-time employees. These employees welcome United customers, helping them locate check-in kiosks, showing them where to drop bags and also how to find TSA PreCheck lines. Beyond the lobby, SOSAs also help travelers with wayfinding, gate recovery, and assist with Agent on Demand. To-date, there are currently 18 SOSA workers at United hubs in Chicago, Houston, Denver and Washington, D.C., with further expansions to follow this year in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The airline has also sponsored Special Olympics Plane Pull^® competitions, supported local volunteer events and on a global level, the Special Olympics World Games.

Last year, 4,000 Special Olympics athletes, coaches, Unified partners, and staff from North America traveled across the country and around the globe for sport and educational development, athletic competitions and leadership events. United supports Special Olympics by providing travel to the organization while encouraging its loyalty program members to donate their unused miles through the airline's industry-leading crowdsourcing program, Miles on a Mission. In addition, United's role as a sponsor of Special Olympics' annual Capitol Hill Day events helped to ensure that 49 Special Olympics Programs from 47 states had the opportunity to participate in more than 300 vital meetings between athletes and lawmakers in Washington, DC. Since 2017, United has contributed more than $8.5 million in travel miles and cash to support Special Olympics athletes.

United Airlines adding almost 200 flights for political conventions

U.S. mega carrier United confirmed today it has added nearly 200 new flights to make it even easier for convention attendees and political enthusiasts to travel to this summer's national political conventions. United will increase its Milwaukee flying by more than 75% for the Republican National Convention in July and will fly its largest schedule from its Chicago O'Hare hub since 2019 for the Democratic National Convention in August, including a 40% increase in flying between Chicago O'Hare and Washington Reagan.

In total, the airline will add 72 flights to and from Milwaukee in July and 118 flights to and from Chicago in August.

"These conventions are steeped in tradition and have now evolved to become a weeklong celebration of our political process," said Patrick Quayle, United's Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. "We're proud to give people even more options to visit two great cities, and participate in these historic events and make their voices heard."

Republican National Convention Schedule

United is flying a 75% larger Milwaukee schedule for the Republican National Convention, enabling nearly 5,000 more people to attend the historic event. In total, United will have more than 280 flights to and from Milwaukee the week of the convention including:

A new, nonstop flight between Milwaukee and Washington Reagan Airport.

72 additional flights from United's hubs in Chicago O'Hare, New York/Newark, Denver, Washington Dulles and Houston.

20 roundtrip flights on larger aircraft.

Democratic National Convention Schedule

United will fly its largest Chicago O'Hare schedule since 2019 for the Democratic National Convention, with more than 530 flights per day on peak days. The schedule includes:

38 additional flights between Chicago O'Hare and Washington Reagan. All flights between the airports on peak convention days will be on Boeing 737 MAX 8, with United's signature interiors.

More than 80 added flights between Chicago O'Hare and cities like Albany, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Portland, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose and Seattle.

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United Airlines launches first media network

United Airlines announced this week, the launch of Kinective Media by United Airlines - the first media network that uses insights from travel behaviours to connect customers to personalized, real-time advertising, content, experiences and offers from leading brands.

The new technology platform gives marketers the opportunity to scale their reach across a wide range of channels including United's award-winning mobile app and inflight entertainment screens. And the airline expects its MileagePlus® members will receive additional value through more personalized and real-time offers and experiences that drive even greater loyalty.

Kinective Media is already working with brands such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Macy's, Chase United Co-Brand Credit Cards, TelevisaUnivision, IHG Hotels & Resorts, as well as agency groups like Dentsu. The focus is on premium brand relationships across key verticals such as retail, luxury goods, financial services, automotive, media brands and travel.

Kinective Media plans a formal commercial launch at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

"We've built a first-of-its-kind, real-time, adtech-enabled traveller media network where brands have already started connecting to premium audiences at an unmatched scale," said Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus. "Unlike some commerce media platforms, United gives brands across a wide range of industries the ability to reach engaged customers throughout the entire marketing funnel – from brand consideration to conversion – in a way that's highly personalized and relevant, and we're already seeing impressive results. There has been a huge strategic shift within this high growth sector in the past five years where advertisers and brands have come together to determine how best to connect with consumers in a way that's valuable, effective and personalized."

Archer gets FAA certification to start operating commercial airline

Archer Aviation Inc. a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced its subsidiary, Archer Air, has received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

This certificate allows Archer to begin operating aircraft commercially to refine its systems and procedures in advance of launching Midnight into service for airlines like United Airlines when it receives Midnight’s Type Certification. Receiving the Part 135 certificate signals that Archer Air has developed, and demonstrated to the FAA its adherence to, the necessary policies and procedures to begin operating aircraft commercially in accordance with the stringent safety and operational standards set forth by the FAA. Today’s achievement is another key step that demonstrates Archer’s work with the FAA continues to gain momentum as Archer is now one of two air taxi manufacturers in the world to have announced receipt of a Part 135 certificate from the FAA.

Archer announced that it has received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA

Archer is one of two air taxi manufacturers in the world to have announced receipt of a Part 135 certification from the FAA

Archer plans to use conventional aircraft now to refine its systems and procedures in advance of launching Midnight into service when it receives Midnight’s Type Certification

Archer will leverage its mobile booking application, vertiport technology integrations, and proprietary operations software platform all currently under development to deliver exceptional experiences and journeys for passengers

In addition to its Part 135 certificate, Archer previously announced it has received its Part 145 certificate from the FAA allowing it to perform specialized aircraft repair services. This means Archer has now received the two key operational certificates required from the FAA for it to be in a position to begin its air taxi operations when Midnight receives its Type Certification. The FAA also recently issued the final airworthiness criteria for the Midnight aircraft. The completion of the Part 135 certification process involved five rigorous stages, which entailed the submission of extensive documentation of operational manuals and procedures, as well as Archer’s pilots needing to demonstrate proficiency with those manuals and procedures under FAA observation.

"We are honored to receive the Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA, which is another important stepping stone on the way to commencing commercial air taxi operations with our Midnight aircraft," said Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer. "This milestone reflects our team's unwavering dedication to safety and operational excellence as we stand up one of the world’s first electric air taxi services for communities across the U.S. with a safe, sustainable and low noise transportation solution.”

United celebrates 10 years of operations at London Heathrow's Terminal 2.

Over 16.5 million customers carried and nearly 630,000 tonnes of cargo transported between London and the U.S. on more than more than 102,000 flights since 4 June 2014

 

United offers 20 flights per day from London Heathrow to the U.S. in Summer 2024

 

United offers more flights from London Heathrow to the New York Metropolitan area and both the U.S. Northeast and West Coast than any other U.S. airline in 2024

 

United Airlines is marking 10 years of its operations at London Heathrow Terminal 2, since becoming the first airline to operate a flight at The Queen’s Terminal on 4 June 2014. United flight UA958 from Chicago O’Hare, operated with a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, arrived at gate B38 at 5:49 a.m. local time, six minutes ahead of schedule on 4 June 2014.

 

Since United’s move to Terminal 2, the airline has carried over 16.5 million customers and transported nearly 630,000 tonnes of cargo on more than 102,000 flights between London and the U.S. For Summer 2024, United is offering 20 flights per day from London Heathrow to seven of its U.S. hubs: New York/Newark, Washington D.C., Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. United is offering more flights and business class seats from London Heathrow to the New York Metropolitan area and both the U.S. Northeast and West Coast than any other U.S. airline in 2024.

 

Prior to the move in 2014, United’s Heathrow operations were split between Terminals 1 and 4, before the airline moved under one roof for the first time since the United-Continental merger in 2010. Progressively, 22 of the airline’s Star Alliance partners moved to Terminal 2, enabling faster, more convenient connections for United customers to and from flights operated by its partners.

 

“We are proud to mark 10 years of flying between Terminal 2, London Heathrow, one of the most important airports in United’s global network, and the U.S.,” said Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales UK and Ireland, United Airlines. “For over 30 years we have provided a critical link between London and the U.S., maintaining service throughout the pandemic and strategically growing our schedule to keep our customers in these key global business centres connected. We expect another busy summer for international travel in 2024 and are proud to offer our customers in the UK extensive travel options and the possibility to connect via our U.S. hubs to over 220 destinations across the Americas.”

 

“Together with our member airlines, including United, we proudly celebrate a decade at Heathrow Terminal 2,” said Renato Ramos, Vice President Strategy Star Alliance. “In 2014, United became the first Star Alliance member airline to commence operations at T2, paving the way for others to join and establish a true alliance hub at our Heathrow home. Over the years, we have grown stronger, and today we offer a seamless collective experience at one of the most vital hubs in our network, featuring facilities such as Gold Track, Star Connection Centre, Baggage Tracking, and more.”

 

U.S. mega carrier United marks 10th anniversary at London Heathrow Terminal 2

Over 16.5 million customers carried and nearly 630,000 tonnes of cargo transported between London and the U.S. on more than more than 102,000 flights since 4 June 2014

 

United offers 20 flights per day from London Heathrow to the U.S. in Summer 2024

 

United offers more flights from London Heathrow to the New York Metropolitan area and both the U.S. Northeast and West Coast than any other U.S. airline in 2024

 

United Airlines is marking 10 years of its operations at London Heathrow Terminal 2, since becoming the first airline to operate a flight at The Queen’s Terminal on 4 June 2014. United flight UA958 from Chicago O’Hare, operated with a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, arrived at gate B38 at 5:49 a.m. local time, six minutes ahead of schedule on 4 June 2014.

 

Since United’s move to Terminal 2, the airline has carried over 16.5 million customers and transported nearly 630,000 tonnes of cargo on more than 102,000 flights between London and the U.S. For Summer 2024, United is offering 20 flights per day from London Heathrow to seven of its U.S. hubs: New York/Newark, Washington D.C., Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. United is offering more flights and business class seats from London Heathrow to the New York Metropolitan area and both the U.S. Northeast and West Coast than any other U.S. airline in 2024.

 

Prior to the move in 2014, United’s Heathrow operations were split between Terminals 1 and 4, before the airline moved under one roof for the first time since the United-Continental merger in 2010. Progressively, 22 of the airline’s Star Alliance partners moved to Terminal 2, enabling faster, more convenient connections for United customers to and from flights operated by its partners.

 

“We are proud to mark 10 years of flying between Terminal 2, London Heathrow, one of the most important airports in United’s global network, and the U.S.,” said Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales UK and Ireland, United Airlines. “For over 30 years we have provided a critical link between London and the U.S., maintaining service throughout the pandemic and strategically growing our schedule to keep our customers in these key global business centres connected. We expect another busy summer for international travel in 2024 and are proud to offer our customers in the UK extensive travel options and the possibility to connect via our U.S. hubs to over 220 destinations across the Americas.”

 

“Together with our member airlines, including United, we proudly celebrate a decade at Heathrow Terminal 2,” said Renato Ramos, Vice President Strategy Star Alliance. “In 2014, United became the first Star Alliance member airline to commence operations at T2, paving the way for others to join and establish a true alliance hub at our Heathrow home. Over the years, we have grown stronger, and today we offer a seamless collective experience at one of the most vital hubs in our network, featuring facilities such as Gold Track, Star Connection Centre, Baggage Tracking, and more.”

 

“Heathrow is delighted to celebrate a decade of delivering excellent service to passengers travelling through Terminal 2, previously voted ‘Best Terminal in the World’ at the World Sky Awards by Skytrax,” said Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer, Heathrow. “In collaboration with our partner airlines, including Star Alliance and its member airlines, we have seen almost 148 million passengers travel through Terminal 2’s doors and enjoy the world-class retail and food and beverage options available. Reaching this landmark is an opportunity for us to enjoy looking back on a decade of achievements, while also looking ahead to the next ten years as we continue to create an extraordinary airport that is fit for the future.”

 

United expects busy start to summer travel season

United plans for the busiest Memorial Day weekend ever with three million expected passengers – a 10% increase over 2023

United's mobile app can save travellers up to 30 minutes on average at the airport with features like mobile check-in, bag drop shortcut, live flight updates, terminal wayfinding, self-service rebooking and more

                      United is ready for its busiest Memorial Day holiday ever – with a record-setting three million travellers expected to fly between May 23-28, up nearly 10% compared to last year. To help fliers navigate the crowds and jumpstart their summer vacations, United has dozens of features in its mobile app to help travellers skip lines, breeze through security, navigate to their gates, quickly check their bags and more – saving travellers up to 30 minutes on average* at the airport.

"Whether you're a road warrior or fly just once a year, the United app is a game-changer that saves you time and makes the overall experience of flying United even better," said Linda Jojo, United's Chief Customer Officer. "With an uptick of leisure travel over the summer months, we've found that customers who travel with the app not only save up to 30 minutes on average during their day-of travel experience, but they also feel informed and empowered about their flights, especially as they're flying into new or unfamiliar airports for their summertime vacations."

United continues to release new innovations in its mobile app to help travellers prepare for their trips – offering more transparency, saving time and reducing stress.

Here are the top ways the United mobile app can help fliers travel on easy mode:

• Find live, personalized flight notifications for details such as countdown to boarding, gate number, seat, bag tracking and more right on your phone screen. United is the first and only U.S. airline to support Live Activities for iPhone, and the live updates have helped millions of travellers since last year especially during peak travel times.
• Request your desired seat with the new seat preferences feature in the mobile app if your preferred seat type isn't available at the time of booking your flight. Travellers who use this tool are moved automatically into their preferred seat, on average, 35% of the time. United is the first and only U.S. airline offering this option.
• Receive automatic rebooking assistance during flight disruptions directly in the app. When travel doesn't go as planned, customers will get alternate travel options automatically served to them in the app. Saving travellers about 15 minutes in line on average, the tools help them get back on their way more quickly after a flight disruption or cancellation. Plus, only United offers Agent on Demand – allowing customers to scan a QR code or use the United app to video chat, text or call a customer service representative instead of waiting in line at the airport. In 2023, Agent on Demand helped more than 1.6 million travellers avoid lines at the airport and get fast help in the app.

Transair plane suffered runway excursion on take off in Senegal

A Boeing 737 jet suffered a runway excursion in Senegal, injuring at least 10 people, 4 of them seriously with 6 others taken to hospital for checkups. 

The aircraft belonged to Transair, operating a charter flight for  Air Senegal was carrying 78 passengers plus a flight crew of 6 at the time of the incident. The jet was headed for the Malian capital Bamako and according to initial reports, the jet left the runway during its take-off run around 1:00am GMT.  

Early reports indicate the aircraft may have experienced a hydraulic leak during the acceleration as it commenced its take-off run at Blaise Diagne International Airport, approximately 30 miles from Dakar.  

The near 30-year-old aircraft, registration 6V-AJE had originally been delivered Tarom of Romania in 1994 and joined the Transair fleet towards the end of December last year. 

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Another Boeing 737 also suffered damage today, Thursday 9 May, when an aircraft belonging to Corendon Airlines, registration 9H-TJF arrived at Gazipasa experienced a burst tyre on its nose gear. The aircraft was operating flight XC1031 between Germany and Turkey Gazipasa, Turkey and the wheel was damaged during the incident. 

A Boeing 767-300ER was approximately four hours into a transatlantic rotation from London To Newark when the flight crew declared an emergency today and the plane returned to London. The aircraft, of United Airlines, registration N685UA is understood to have suffered a broken windscreen during the flight, which required a turnaround. The crew landed the aircraft safely at Heathrow just after 15:00 this afternoon. 

Yesterday, a cargo Boeing 767-300F of FedEx operating a flight between Paris and Istanbul experienced a nose gear issue, when the wheels failed to deploy prior to landing.  The crew performed a low pass over the runway and a visual inspection took place.  The front gear could not be lowered and the crew performed a textbook landing with the nose gear retracted. 

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United Airlines helps passengers get their top choice seats with new tech

Window vs aisle seat – the age-old debate on which aeroplane seat is best. But no matter your preference, United is making it easier for travellers to sit in their favourite seat type even if their preferred seat isn’t available during booking. Fliers can find the new feature in the United mobile app, request their preferred seat and automatically get moved if one opens up. Here’s how it works:

·         - Request your desired seat in the mobile app if your preferred seat type isn’t available at the time of booking your flight.

·         - Select where you’d like to sit, including preferences for window or aisle seats, exit rows or bulkhead seats.

·         - Get automatically assigned and notified about your new seat assignment if your preferred choice becomes available.

 

With up to three million users interacting with the United mobile app daily, United is continuing to bring useful features to its app, and this is just the latest new app feature that gives customers more options and makes travel a breeze.

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United Airlines reports first-quarter 2024 results

First-quarter diluted loss per share of $0.38; first-quarter adjusted diluted loss per share1 of $0.15 - ahead of expectations

Updates fleet plan - allowing for a more consistent delivery schedule of approximately 100 narrowbody aircraft yearly 2025 through 2027

Achieved second-best first quarter on-time departure performance in the company's history

United Airlines has reported its first-quarter 2024 financial results this week which showed the company had a pre-tax loss of $164 million, a $92 million improvement over the same quarter last year; adjusted pre-tax loss1 of $79 million, a $187 million improvement on an adjusted basis over the same quarter last year. These earnings reflect the approximately $200 million impact from the Boeing 737 MAX 9 grounding, without which the company would have reported a quarterly profit. In the quarter, the company generated $2.8 billion operating cash flow and free cash flow1 of $1.5 billion. The company continues to expect full-year 2024 adjusted diluted earnings per share3 of $9 to $11.

United delivered strong financial and operational performance in the quarter. The demand environment remained strong with a double-digit percentage increase in business demand quarter over quarter, as compared to pre-pandemic. Additionally, the company was able to take advantage of a number of opportunities to adjust domestic capacity which drove meaningful improvements in first quarter profitability. Atlantic and Domestic markets both saw large passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increases year over year, with 11% and 6% growth respectively.

"I want to thank the United team for working so hard this quarter to deliver strong operational metrics for our customers and sharpen our focus on safety, while producing excellent financial results for our shareholders," said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. "We've adjusted our fleet plan to better reflect the reality of what the manufacturers are able to deliver. And, we'll use those planes to capitalize on an opportunity that only United has: profitably grow our mid-continent hubs and expand our highly profitable international network from our best in the industry coastal hubs."

Fleet Update

United has made several adjustments to its long-term fleet strategy based on future needs of the airline and manufacturers production and delivery timelines that are expected to smooth out and moderate the company's aircraft delivery schedule in the coming years including:

Guide Dogs announces United Airlines as official partner for art trail

United Airlines has been announced as the official Accessible Events Partner for Guide Dog’s art trail, Paws on the Wharf.

Paws on the Wharf, an accessible and inclusive art trail, takes place in Canary Wharf from 25 March to 17 May 2024. The event features 25 guide dog sculptures, each skillfully painted by a different artist, transforming Canary Wharf into a free public art exhibition that highlights the power of creativity and inclusivity. 

As the official Accessible Events Partner, United Airlines’ support enables Guide Dogs to deliver sighted guide and sensory tours of the art trail. This allows Guide Dogs to help people with sight loss who would prefer support navigating the trail. 

The guided sensory tours, taking place on selected days throughout the event, will showcase some of the sculptures, proving a multi-sensory experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to touch items and smell specific scents that the artists have suggested will relate to their designs. 

United Airlines is rethinking the entire flying experience to better serve its customers, including adding Braille onboard and making inflight entertainment and the United App accessible to those with visual impairments. In 2023, United became the first U.S. airline to add Braille to aircraft interiors, helping travellers with a visual impairment navigate the cabin more easily and independently. 

Paws on the Wharf aims to be one of the most accessible art trails yet to ensure inclusivity for people with sight loss and other disabilities. In addition to being step free and offering different options for maps, there will be an option to access the trail through the NaviLens App and NaviLens Codes - cutting-edge technology to enable people with sight loss to visit the trail independently. The NaviLens App will also provide information about the guide dog sculptures, the artists and the sponsors. Five of the sculptures will feature exclusive artwork by artists with sight loss including Angela Charles, Alex Devlin, Kevin Gavaghan, Sian Healey and Clarke Reynolds. 

Michelle Freyre appointed to the board of directors at United

U.S. mega-carrier United Airlines has this week confirmed that Michelle Freyre is joining its Board of Directors. Freyre currently serves as President, Global Brands, Clinique and Origins, at The Estée Lauder Companies, where she is responsible for guiding the brands' overall strategic vision and driving global growth.

"Michelle's extensive experience in business and product strategy will make her an excellent addition to our already strong Board of Directors," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "In each of her previous roles, Michelle has deftly balanced modernizing and celebrating the historic brands she has overseen."

"We are excited to welcome Michelle to the Board of Directors and look forward to the valuable insight and experience she will bring to United," said Ted Philip, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "For the last two decades, Michelle has guided some of the most prominent brands in corporate America and her sophisticated understanding of large brands to serve the needs of customers is valuable experience that will benefit United and our Board of Directors."

New digital tools to aid wheelchair users book the correct flight on United.....

New digital sizing tool helps customers determine the right aircraft for their wheelchair; airline will refund the fare difference if they have to pay more for an alternative flight with a larger cargo door

Industry-first initiatives, developed in collaboration with accessibility advocates and experts, reflect United's ongoing commitment to make the travel experience more accessible for everyone

One of the leading airlines in the U.S.  United, has launched a new digital tool on its app and website that aims to make it much easier for customers who use wheelchairs to find flights that can best accommodate the specific dimensions of their personal mobility device.

United also says that eligible customers may be able to seek a refund of the fare difference if they need to pay more for a specific flight that can accommodate their wheelchair.

In addition to working with the airline's Accessible Travel Advisory Board, United collaborated with United Spinal Association and Numotion to develop these industry-first initiatives.

"The more we know about a customer's device, the more likely their experience will be a good one – from booking and check-in to the flight itself," said Linda Jojo, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for United. "These new tools and policies also set our employees up for success, especially those working on the ramp or at the gate."

"United Spinal Association appreciates this strong first step toward improving the air travel experience for wheelchair users," says Vincenzo Piscopo, Chief Executive Officer and President of United Spinal Association, the largest disability-led membership organization representing our nation's 5.5 million wheelchair users. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with United Airlines to ensure that all wheelchair users can book a flight to their next adventure, business meeting, or visit with family or friends on the flight they choose, trusting they will arrive safely with their equipment intact."

United adds new, larger overhead bins to Embraer E175 aircraft

The U.S. mega-carrier United Airlines has announced this week that it is installing new, larger overhead bins on its Skywest operated Embraer E175 fleet that will provide more room for passengers' roll aboard carry-on bags. These new bins will be available on 50 aircraft with a 76-seat configuration by the end of this year. United may expand the E175 larger overhead bins offering to more than 150 aircraft by the end of 2026. 

United is the first airline to offer these larger overhead bins on E175 airplanes and estimates this move will nearly eliminate the need for one million annual passengers to gate-check bags on more than 150,000 E175 flights.  

United is enhancing the passenger experience by adding larger overhead bins on the Embraer E175 fleet to increase customer convenience and improve operational efficiency. The new bins will accommodate up to an extra 29 carry-on bags on the regional jets, which is an 80 percent increase in space.

"Customer sentiment for the new overhead bins and signature interiors has been extremely positive. By helping to eliminate the need to gate check bags, we are seeing an increase in gate and boarding satisfaction," said Linda Jojo, United's chief customer officer. "This is just the latest way we're working to create an industry-leading experience for all our customers – whether they're on an international or regional flight."

United makes it easier to share award miles with family and friends

Just in time for summer travel planning, United launched MileagePlus miles pooling – a new way for MileagePlus members to contribute and combine their miles into a joint account. Available on United.com, groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. United allows any MileagePlus member – whether relatives or close friends – to be in a pool with other members. United is the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature.

"We're always looking for new ways to provide the most value to all of our loyalty members and are proud to be the first major U.S. airline to allow our members to pool their miles with their loved ones and friends," said Luc Bondar, Chief Operating Officer of MileagePlus. "MileagePlus miles pooling further reinforces United's position as the leader in family and group travel and gives our members more flexibility to use their miles while making it easier to connect to the destinations and moments that matter most, with the people that matter most." 

As 81% of parents report intent to travel with their children in the next year and nearly 60% report concern about travel affordability, according to a 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey conducted by the Family Travel Association, the introduction of MileagePlus miles pooling aims to make travel even easier for families or groups looking to get away; even the youngest family members can contribute as there's no minimum age to become a MileagePlus member.

MileagePlus miles pooling is now available to all MileagePlus members by logging in to their account on United.com. For those not already MileagePlus members, the program is free to join here. 

How MileagePlus miles pooling works

Any MileagePlus member over 18 years old can become the pool leader and create a pool for free when logged in to their account on United.com.

Pool leaders can invite up to four of their family, friends, or close travel companions of any age to join the pool if they have an active MileagePlus account. There is no minimum age to join MileagePlus.

When logged in to their MileagePlus account on United.com, members will be instructed on how to contribute miles to the group pool as well as how to redeem pooled miles for award flights on United and United Express*.

There are no limits to the number of miles that may be contributed to an active miles pool.

Pooled miles can be used when booking a ticket on United.com or in the United mobile app.