United Airlines today unveiled the new explus brand—a
United Express service featuring state-of-the-art Embraer-170 (70-seat) and
Canadair RJ-700* (66-seat) regional jets, which offer United First and
Economy Plus seating, premium snackboxes for United First customers on
select flights, full-sized leather seats throughout, large overhead bins and
spacious cabins.This redefined regional jet service also offers a brand promise—that
scheduled flights out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport longer than
two-and-a-half hours (as well as select other flights) will be served by
United mainline, Ted or the new explus found on United Express.
  “We are pleased to introduce explus, created in direct response to
customer demand for a more comfortable, sophisticated regional jet travel
experience,” says Sean Donohue, vice president-United Express, Ted and
Operational Services.  “Our explus service further reinforces and
differentiates United’s commitment to provide quality and comfort to our
customers.”
  The new explus represents a significant service upgrade for United Express
regional markets, offering customers more comfortable seating, spacious cabins
and additional overhead bin storage.  Configurations on these top-line
regional jets include the Embraer-170 with six seats in United First, 16
Economy Plus seats and 48 United Economy seats, and the Canadair RJ-700
with six United First seats, 28 Economy Plus seats and 32 United Economy
seats.
  Premium snackboxes will be served to United First customers on explus
flights longer than two-and-a-half hours departing during meal times.  More
like gift boxes, they feature boutique products selected for their
high-quality, natural ingredients.
  Currently, the majority of explus service is available between Chicago
O’Hare and Austin, Tex.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; White Plains, N.Y.;
Portland, Maine; and Montreal, Ottawa, and Edmonton (Alberta), Canada.
  In September, explus will be available between Chicago O’Hare and
Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; and
Savannah, Ga.
  In October, explus will be available between Chicago O’Hare and Tulsa,
Okla., and Jacksonville, Fla.  explus is also scheduled to serve Memphis,
Tenn., from Chicago in the coming months.  Nearly one-third of the United
Express fleet is scheduled to operate as explus by the end of 2005.
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