United Airlines is to introduce a new, custom-designed seat to its first-class cabins on more than 200 of the company’s narrowbody aircraft. The new seat will debut on an Airbus A319 this week, with retrofits on A319s, A320s and many Boeing 737s and 757s through 2016.

Developed with input from customers whom the airline invited to test seat prototypes, the custom seat United and design firm PriestmanGoode have created features several elements to improve the customer experience, including an all-leather seat covers in signature navy and champagne colors; a patented-design tray table with tablet holder, enabling business travellers to enjoy food and beverages while using their personal electronic devices; an articulating seat bottom for greater comfort when reclining and an adjustable headrest; in-seat universal A/C power outlets for customers to charge their devices; additional in-seat storage, including two seatback pockets and side stowage for laptops and tablets; dedicated beverage holders; and granite cocktail tables.

At 21.1-inches wide, the new United First seat is wider than the current seat and will have numerous custom-design elements and premium finishes, including the signature United-branded tag.

“This new seat is directly based on customer testing and feedback,” says United SVP and chief marketing officer Tom O’Toole. “We designed a custom seat that incorporates the features that today’s passengers want and upgrades our cabins.”

Each aircraft will continue to have the same number of premium-cabin seats. www.united.com