By David Shepardson
NEW YORK (Reuters) -United Airlines on Tuesday is unveiling upgraded interiors on new Boeing 787 Dreamliners as it seeks to reassure customers after a series of issues and hundreds of flight disruptions in recent weeks at its nearby hub of Newark Liberty International Airport.
The Chicago-based airline is showing off the new larger business-class suites in New York on Tuesday, which include privacy doors and an extra ottoman for companions. Other upgraded amenities include caviar service and luxury skin-care items.
United expects delivery of the first United Boeing 787-9 with the new interior before the end of 2025. The first international passenger flights are planned in 2026 from San Francisco to Singapore, as well as flights from its California hub to London. United expects at least 30 aircraft to join the fleet by 2027.
Still, United has been trying to reassure its customers after three telecommunications incidents involving Newark air traffic have shaken public confidence. New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport is located about 9 miles (14.5 km) from Manhattan.
United has sharply cut flights and wants the Federal Aviation Administration to impose new limitations on Newark flights to address ongoing delays. The FAA plans to hold a two-day meeting starting on Wednesday on temporary flight reductions.
United on Monday sent emails to 3.7 million New York-area customers and passengers with upcoming Newark flights, seeking to ease their concerns about safety. “The truth is that all these flights in and out of (Newark) are absolutely safe,” United CEO Scott Kirby said in the email.
Low air traffic control staffing for Newark resulted in average delays of more than two hours on Monday, with 25% of all flights delayed and 87 canceled, according to data provider FlightAware. Some flights were delayed by more than six hours.
(Reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Matthew Lewis)
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