50 E175 Aircraft to be Added to United Express Fleet

United Airlines is amending its existing agreement with regional carrier Shuttle America, to add 50 E175 aircraft.

Shuttle America’s parent company, Republic Airways Holdings Inc., will determine which of its carriers will operate the new 76-seat aircraft under the United Express brand.

Deliveries are expected to begin in July 2015 and will continue through the summer of 2017.

The new aircraft will replace large turboprop airplanes and older, less-efficient aircraft and are in addition to 70 E175s whose deliveries began this year for other carriers to operate as United Express.

“We are pleased to offer more travelers the opportunity to experience this modern, more fuel-efficient aircraft, particularly given the high satisfaction levels our customers report when they fly our E175s,” said Sandra Pineau-Boddison, United’s senior vice president of United Express.

The E175s will offer 12 seats in United First and 64 seats in United Economy, including 16 extra-legroom United Economy Plus seats.

The aircraft also offer a power outlet at each United First seat, and large overhead bins that can accommodate standard-size carry-on bags.

Additional Fleet Updates

In addition to expanding the E175 fleet, United plans to make the following changes to its United Express service:

• Extend the airline’s agreement with Shuttle America on 38 E170s, with new expiration dates beginning in September 2019 and continuing through December 2022; and

• Begin removing, in 2015, 31 Bombardier Q400s operated by Republic Airlines, a carrier also owned by Republic Airways Holdings Inc..