OREANDA-NEWS. United Airlines has introduced the Embraer 175 aircraft to the United Express fleet, with service on the modern and spacious regional jet operating between Chicago and top business markets Washington and Boston.

United Express carrier SkyWest Airlines began Boston service today. Service between Chicago and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport began Saturday. The E175 flights complement existing United service in those markets.

The 76-seat E175 regional jet is the newest addition to the United Express fleet, enabling the airline to offer an improved regional jet experience. With 12 seats in United First, 16 seats in United Economy Plus and 48 seats in United Economy, the E175 offers more personal space for customers, with wider seats and aisles than other regional aircraft. Each United First seat features a power outlet. The aircraft's large overhead bins can accommodate standard-sized carry-on bags, resulting in more convenience for customers.

"We are thrilled to welcome the E175 to United Express and celebrate the launch of service from our hometown of Chicago," said Sandra Pineau-Boddison, United's senior vice president of United Express. "This fantastic new aircraft will enable us to better serve our customers, particularly in high-frequency business markets."

United will offer E175 in several additional markets beginning in June, complementing existing United services:
* Chicago-Minneapolis /St. Paul, beginning June 5
* Chicago-Atlanta, beginning June 15
* Houston-Atlanta, beginning June 15
* Houston-New Orleans, beginning June 15
* Chicago-New York LaGuardia, beginning June 23
* San Francisco-St. Louis, beginning Sept. 20
* San Francisco-Austin, beginning Oct. 26
* San Francisco-Dallas/Fort Worth, beginning Oct. 26
* San Francisco-Minneapolis/ St. Paul, beginning Oct. 26

SkyWest Airlines will operate the services to and from Chicago O'Hare International Airport and to and from San Francisco International Airport. Mesa Airlines will operate the flights to and from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

United expects to introduce 70 E175 aircraft into the United Express fleet by the end of 2015. As United inducts new aircraft into the fleet, the airline will remove smaller, less efficient regional aircraft from the fleet. The E175s consume less fuel per seat and have fewer CO2 emissions per seat than the aircraft they replace.