UNITED Airlines is planning to refit its international fleet with a fourth class by introducing a premium cabin for full-fare paying economy passengers.
If plans go ahead, United will become only the second international airline to adopt a four-class strategy following on from Taiwanese airline Eva Air.
United’s move has been prompted by a revamp of its domestic Boeing 737 and 757 fleet that has added an Economy Plus product.
The product offers extra legroom and in-seat laptop power, but the on-board service is the same as economy.
“We are looking at this product on international flights but no decision has yet been made,” said United’s first-class product manager William Guidici.
Industry observers believe United will be under pressure to introduce an upgraded economy product to address the needs of those Economy Plus passengers who will demand the same level of service internationally.