United Airlines’ revamped cabins faces supply chain delays

united airlinesThe company told CNBC this week that supply chain strains have pushed it behind schedule in plans to revamp the cabins of older narrowbody planes. Upgrades include a larger premium cabin, seatback entertainment screens throughout the plane, Bluetooth capabilities, and other amenities.

The Chicago-based airline had planned to install new interiors on 100 narrowbodies by the end of the year, but it now expects 60 to be completed by then.

“The reality is the challenge of supply across the board, whether it is [inflight entertainment] Systems, chips, seats and so many other things are making our business more difficult than ever,” said Andrew Nocera, United’s chief commercial officer, on the earnings call last week.

United has announced an overhauled cabin for June 2021. Order at 270 new Boeing Efforts to revamp Airbus’s narrow-body aircraft and brand as an airline vie for passengers For travel rebound, especially spendthrift.

united too Said Expected to sell more premium seats per departure than any other North American airline by 2026 as travelers compete to see what they can do The Elusive Upgrade And a growing number of elite travelers are piling up frequent flyer points.

United’s Nocella said last week that the airline will have multiple production lines revamping the interiors of its narrowbodies this summer, which will help speed the pace.

The airline expects about a third of its narrow-body aircraft, including new ones, to have upgraded interiors by the end of the year.

“It’s going to take a little longer than originally planned,” he said. He added that United’s Airbus A319 was recently modified and should fly soon.

The airline has set a goal of completing the narrowbody upgrades by 2025, but it’s unclear whether United will meet that goal.

Separately, United said by August it will equip all of its wide-body aircraft with premium economy seats and Polaris seats, the airline’s top class on international and other long-haul flights.

like other airlines jet blue and delta airlines Added amenities plane In recent years, it has upgraded its top class, installed new seats and added several services. Free Wi-Fi.

Delta executives say revenue growth for premium seats such as business class and premium economy has outpaced standard coach sales.

Delta Air Lines President Glenn Hauenstein said in a quarterly conference call earlier this month, “We’ve found these products to be highly sticky.” I tend not to go back.”