OREANDA-NEWS. Starting Friday, July 1, customers aboard United Airlines flights around the world can experience illy, the premium coffee roaster known for its consistent and unparalleled quality in over 140 countries.

"United chose illy as our global coffee partner because they represent the gold standard of premium coffee and they share our commitment to creating an elevated, distinctive experience for our customers," said Jimmy Samartzis, United's vice president of Food Services and United Clubs. "We acted on customer feedback and are delivering a product our employees are proud to serve, while bringing excellence and passion to every one of the 72 million cups of coffee we serve inflight every year."

The company, known for its commitment to sustainability, was also selected as a partner because it reflects United's global network and and commitment to creating a premium experience for its customers. Illy purchases only from the top one percent of Arabica beans grown directly from growers in Brazil, Central America, India and Africa to create the distinct flavor of illy's unique blend. Its supply chain is certified sustainable ensuring social and economic development for the growers and the best coffee quality for customers and coffee lovers around the world.

"Over the past several months, we experienced an overwhelmingly positive response from United's customers and employees that illy is coming onboard. We are very proud to be the coffee that millions of customers enjoy in United Clubs and now on all flights," said Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffe s.p.a. "The illy brand is known around the world for its unparalleled quality and nearly 85 years of expertise in science and innovation, which positions us well to meet the needs of United."

To understand what makes a truly great coffee experience, United deployed its team of food and beverage experts and engaged employees in both the airport and in flight. While in flight, employees and customers tasted several brands and blends and provided their feedback.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,000 flights a day to 336 airports across six continents. In 2015, United and United Express operated more than 1.5 million flights carrying more than 140 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates more than 715 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 21 new Boeing aircraft, including 737 NGs, 787s and 777s. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 192 countries via 28 member airlines. Approximately 86,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world.