'Signature' seat design developed by United

Pictured above: CRJ700 first class	Pictured above: CRJ700 Economy Plus	Pictured above: No seatback IFE for the CRJ700 Economy Plus seats

United Airlines has unveiled a new, more modern-looking signature seat design focused on customer comfort and environmental responsibility, which will also give the fleet some much-needed consistency following the merger with Continental. The airline worked with travel design consultancy Priestmangoode on the designs, which extend across the domestic and regional economy, premium economy and first class product.

The new, lightweight design has been launched on a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by United Express carrier SkyWest Airlines. United expects to deploy the new look on its domestic mainline aircraft and on regional aircraft operated by United Express carriers. Ultimately, United plans for more than 60,000 seats on more than 500 aircraft to carry the new design, including, United anticipates, approximately 400 aircraft by 2015. The seats will be deployed on routes within the USA, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean.

The designs include, in addition to styling features such as multi-tonal leather seat covers, distinctive double-stitch patterns, sculpted contouring and a new United-branded tag, improved ergonomics and more supportive cushioning. There is also additional seat-back storage space in economy and premium economy.

However, look at theses pictures and you will notice something missing: seatback IFE. According to United,  DirecTV-equipped aircraft will still have DirecTV, and will "eventually" be equipped with wi-fi. Around 100 United-operated domestic aircraft currently have wi-fi installed, and the airline is fitting out around 30 more per month. 

"Our customers will see a distinctive, consistent look on our aircraft that underscores our modern fleet and our onboard investments to make their travels more user-friendly," said Jeff Foland, United's executive vice president of marketing, technology and strategy.