United Airlines making substantial changes to set itself in the right direction

United Airlines is making steady progress on its on-time rates, despite a bad start to the year. The company was subject to a number of challengers after completing its merger with Continental Airlines in 2010.

However, United Airlines has announced that it will be using new technology in airplanes and airports, in addition to getting rid of 130 smaller 50-seat regional jets – that did not make economic sense to continue using.

Jim Compton, United’s chief revenue officer, said that “it is no secret that we went through our share of challenges as we worked through our merger.”

United Airlines has experienced numerous issues since its merger with Continental, including a real setback in customer service and flights being on time.

The company reported a first-quarter loss this year of $609 million and the went on to surprise analysts by reporting second quarter profits of $919 million. Indicating that the airline was on track to a brighter future.

Compton said: “Our second-quarter results were pleasing and an indication of what we plan to deliver more of in the future. We’re not yet there, and we’re not where we want to be. But we’re headed in the right direction.”

United Airlines appears to be headed in the right direction. 

What United plans on doing to improve

Technology is certainly something that United wants to incorporate into its customer experience. It has announced that it will be adding charging stations to its gate areas, use self-tagging at check-in kiosks, and will be adding Wi-Fi to its aircraft by the end of next year.

Compton added:

“Now, more than ever, technology plays an integral role in how we do and think about our business. Our customers are demanding it … they want so much to be in control. For that to happen, you have to have the right technology in the right places.”

In addition to the arrival of new technology, United is also going to be replacing its 50-seat regional jets for 76-seaters instead, a much more economical choice for the airline and beneficial to customers as they can accommodate standard-size carry-on bags in the overhead bins.