United Airlines First U.S. Carrier to Offer iPod & iPhone Connectivity

CHICAGO,  June 16, 2008 – United guests may now reach cruising altitude with a new, personalized in-flight entertainment system. United is the first U.S. carrier to offer iPod and iPhone connectivity to its in-flight entertainment system, enabling customers to enjoy their individual content on a 15.4-inch personal television, all while the iPod or iPhone charges.

The first aircraft with iPod and iPhone connectivity is scheduled to depart at 5:40 p.m. from Washington, D.C. to Zurich as United #936, and it will fly primarily on trans-Atlantic routes. United's entire fleet of international, widebody aircraft are being reconfigured over the next two years with lie-flat seats, on-demand entertainment, and iPod and iPhone connectivity in first and business class.

“Our guests may now watch or listen to what they want, when they want with programming they choose,” says Graham Atkinson, United Airlines – executive vice president and Chief Customer Officer. “United will continue to provide services and technology that makes our customers’ travel experiences more relaxed and enjoyable.”

“The iPod and iPhone have become essential for millions of travelers around the world,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPod & iPhone Product Marketing. “We think United customers are going to love being able to listen or watch personal music and video content on their iPod or iPhone via the in-flight entertainment system, and we can't wait for United to roll this out to their fleet."

Through a cable that supports iPod and iPhone via the 30-pin connector, customers may watch and enjoy their personal content on United’s in-flight entertainment system. Technology for the connectivity was developed by Panasonic Avionics Corporation. 

The customized video and audio options complements the more than 150 hours of movies and television shows available on-demand on United’s newly-configured international aircraft, as well as games and XM radio.   

United was the first US carrier to introduce lie-flat business class seats in November 2007. More information about these seats – and the International Premium Travel Experience – is available at suitedreams.united.com.

About United

United Airlines (NASDAQ:  UAUA) operates more than 3,200* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C.  With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States.  United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 965 destinations in 162 countries worldwide.  United's 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world.  News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.

*Based on United's flight schedule between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2008.