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United Airlines to Introduce New Boeing Aircraft to Fleet

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United Airlines, the subsidiary of United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL - Free Report) , announced that it will launch the new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for its flights scheduled in 2017. The company has added the aircraft to its schedule for the coming year. Notably, one of the key features of this offering will be the company’s new United Polaris business class, which is scheduled to start regular service from February next year.

United Airlines recently reported its November traffic results. The company recorded an impressive increase in traffic and load factor. Consequently, shares of the company gained 3.34% since the release of its November performance and improved outlook for the fourth quarter.  We note that the company has been performing well over the past few months and has comfortably surpassed the Zacks categorized Transportation-Airline industry over the last three months. The stock has gained over 41.16% compared with the industry, which has advanced just 20.45% over the same period.

New Aircraft Features and Plans

Passengers of United Airlines have several reasons to be excited about the new aircraft. In addition to United Polaris, the new planes will also contain the latest wide-body cabin design by the company. The interiors will have a modern look, which has been conceptualized in partnership with the popular design firm, PriestmanGoode. United Polaris offers privacy to passengers along with direct aisle access. Moreover, it comes with a 180-degree flat bed and mood lighting to provide passengers a sleep-enhancing experience – a desirable feature, especially for frequent travelers.

The Economy segment will be equipped with 102 seats and 34 inches of pitch in United Economy Plus and 204 seats with 31 inches of pitch in United Economy. Both will have a 3-4-3 seat configuration. Passengers would be able to enjoy two United Private Screening Options, in-seat power outlets, and the option to purchase satellite Wi-Fi.

Equipped with some of the latest desirable features, the new offering by United Airlines is expected to give tough competition to peers like American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL - Free Report) , Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL - Free Report) , and Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV - Free Report) .

Planned Routes for New Aircraft

The company expects to put all of its new Boeing 777-300ER aircrafts into service in 2017. The company intends to use the aircraft for one round trip from Newark Liberty International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, six days a week, in the Feb 16- May 4 period next year. Additionally, intercontinental service is scheduled to start from Mar 25, between San Francisco and Hong Kong. It should be noted that flight and aircraft schedules and dates are subject to changes.

Zacks Rank

United Continental currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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