OREANDA-NEWS. United Airlines announced that the company will add 10 Embraer E175 aircraft to the United Express fleet, offering more customers greater comfort and convenience during their in-flight experience. Additionally, United expects that the airline or one of the carriers that operate as United Express will convert 18 more E175 aircraft to firm orders in the near term.

United anticipates deliveries of the aircraft will begin next year and continue through the summer of 2017. The new aircraft will replace older, less-efficient 50-seat regional jets and are in addition to the 125 E175s whose deliveries began in 2014.

"Our customers tell us that they are thrilled with these modern, fuel-efficient aircraft," said Ron Baur, United's vice president of fleet. "The E175s are a great addition to the regional fleet and further align the United Express in-flight experience with our mainline service."

The E175s will offer 12 seats in United First and 64 seats in United Economy, including 16 extra-legroom United Economy Plus seats. The aircraft also offer more personal space for customers, with wider seats and aisles than other regional aircraft; a power outlet at each United First seat; and large overhead bins that can accommodate standard-size carry-on bags.

Earlier this year United began installing Wi-Fi capabilities on E175 aircraft operating as United Express. This summer the airline plans to equip the E175s with personal device entertainment, offering customers complimentary movies and television shows to view on their Wi-Fi-enabled iOS and Android devices using United's mobile app, as well as on laptop computers.

United also recently refreshed dining options for customers seated in United First on E175 aircraft, offering freshly prepared entrees and expanded meal-service times on longer flights.