United adds first-class seats to regional jets

United Continental Holdings Inc. is revamping some of its regional jets to add more first-class seats and amenities as part of a wider push to attract more business travelers.

The airline’s remodeled short-haul aircraft, dubbed the CRJ550, will be an adaptation of a plane made by Bombardier Inc. that typically flies with 70 seats. That’s 20 more than in United’s new configuration, which adds more luxury seats while reducing economy berths. United plans to fly the jets by yearend in Chicago, followed by flights from Newark, New Jersey.

“We felt we were in a competitive disadvantage in certain markets,” Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said. “The CRJ550 is one of many things we’re doing as a company to close that gap.”

The upgraded regional offering is part of a broader fleet renewal at United as it races with Delta Air Lines and American Airlines to segment aircraft cabins for a full spectrum of customers, from lucrative business travelers to leisure passengers in the lowest-priced basic economy. United is adding more than 1,600 premium seats to almost 250 aircraft across the fleet, not just small jets.

One route United is eyeing for the CRJ550 runs between Chicago and Bentonville, Arkansas, home of Walmart. Both American and Delta have a dozen first-class seats on their regional jets carrying passengers from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to major hubs. United has older 50-seat jets, all with economy seating.

United had only 7 percent of the airport’s 22,000 premium international passengers last year, the airline said in a memo to employees, which was confirmed by Bloomberg. The company said it should get at least a quarter of the most lucrative customers in such connecting markets because of its extensive international network.

United’s CRJ500 planes will feature Wi-fi service and a self-service beverage and snack station for the 10-seat first class section. They also will have four storage closets, cutting down on the need to gatecheck bags.