Passengers flying United Airlines’ regional Embraer aircraft will soon enjoy a noticeably improved onboard experience after the carrier signed a new order for E175 jets destined for the United Express fleet. The agreement, finalized at the 51st International Paris Air Show earlier this month, covers 10 aircraft. Embraer also said United or one of its United Express partners is likely to convert options for an additional 18 aircraft to firm orders in the near term.
“We are thrilled to add more E175s to the regional fleet. The E175 will be used to primarily replace older, less efficient 50-seat regional jets while providing an improved passenger experience,” said Ron Baur, United Airlines’ vice president of fleet.
Deliveries are expected to begin next year. Each E175 in the order features a dual-class cabin with 76 seats: 12 first-class seats and 16 Economy Plus seats, along with onboard Wi-Fi. This recent purchase builds on United’s earlier fleet investment, supplementing a prior order for 30 E175s placed in April 2013.
The move reflects an ongoing strategy to modernize regional operations by retiring smaller, less efficient aircraft in favor of larger, more comfortable regional jets. The E175s offer airlines improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs per seat while giving passengers a more spacious interior and upgraded amenities compared with many older 50-seat regional jets.
For United Express operators, the newer E175s also provide operational flexibility thanks to their range and payload capabilities, enabling efficient deployment across a variety of short- and medium-haul routes. The expanded fleet will help carriers match capacity to demand while maintaining a higher level of service on regional routes that feed United’s mainline network.
As the first units arrive next year, travelers on regional flights operated for United can expect more comfortable seating choices, better connectivity, and a generally smoother travel experience as the modernized fleet enters service. The expected conversions of additional options to firm orders would further accelerate the replacement of aging regional jets and continue the airline’s trend toward a more consistent passenger experience across its domestic network.