What is the expected percentage of new-generation planes in United Airlines' fleet by 2030?

United Airlines aims to have 75% of its fleet comprised of new-generation planes by 2030, aligning with its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.

What is United Airlines' commitment to environmental responsibility?

United Airlines is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and aims to be net-zero by 2050, achieved without relying on traditional carbon offsets.

What features do United's narrowbodies and widebodies offer to passengers?

Narrowbodies offer seatback screens for every seat, spacious overhead storage, and fast Wi-Fi. Widebodies provide United Polaris business class with lie-flat seats and large seatback screens.

What have been some of the ways United Airlines has integrated Apple products in its operations?

United Airlines has integrated Apple products by deploying iPads for a paperless flight deck, distributing iPhones and iPads to employees, and using iPads with Touch ID for quick document sign-off.

How can passengers activate Bluetooth on United's new and retrofit planes?

Passengers can activate Bluetooth by selecting the Bluetooth icon on the seatback screen's toolbar, ensuring their Bluetooth headphones are disconnected from other devices, and then pairing them.

Who is Jason Birnbaum, and what does he say about AirPods Pro features?

Jason Birnbaum is United's Chief Information Officer, and he expresses that AirPods Pro features have the potential to be a game-changer for both customers and employees.

How many planes currently have Bluetooth connectivity, and what is the target for 2032?

Currently, over 100 planes have Bluetooth connectivity, and the plan is to have it on approximately 800 aircraft by 2032.

What is the goal of United Next?

United Next aims to modernize and expand United Airlines' aircraft fleet.

AirPods Pro Features Take Flight with United Airlines Bluetooth Planes

Tom Payne

7 months ago

United Next represents United Airlines Bluetooth Planes and an ambitious vision to modernize its entire fleet, offering passengers a superior travel experience while driving sustainability and technological innovation in the aviation industry.

United Airlines Bluetooth Planes

United Airlines recently showcased its new Bluetooth-enabled planes, highlighting features for passengers who use AirPods Pro. Other Bluetooth-enabled headphones are supported. However, it’s the Apple devices and the technology within that enhance passenger and crew connectivity.

This is part of United’s broader plan, United Next, aiming to modernize and expand its aircraft fleet. Over 100 planes are equipped with Bluetooth, with plans to outfit around 800 aircraft by 2032.

United was the first U.S. airline to introduce Bluetooth connectivity, and now, along with already being able to connect with the seatback screens, travellers with 2nd Gen AirPods Pro can do even more.

One of the exciting AirPods Pro features is Conversation Awareness, which automatically reduces volume when passengers speak, making it easier to interact with flight attendants while ordering food and beverages.

Additionally, Adaptive Audio adjusts noise control dynamically, blending Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation based on the surrounding sound environment.

People want to stay connected while they’re in the air, but there’s also a lot of interactions between our crew and customers – the technological combination of wireless connectivity, Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio result in a great experience for everyone.
United Airlines

How it Works

To use Bluetooth on United’s new and retrofit planes, passengers must follow these steps for a new in-flight wireless entertainment experience.

Select the Bluetooth icon from the toolbar near the bottom of the seatback screen monitor.
Toggle Bluetooth on and ensure your Bluetooth headphones are disconnected from other devices.
After placing them in pairing mode, select the device from your list of available devices.
Enjoy your favourite TV shows, movies, podcasts, curated playlists and more without wired headphones!

United Airlines has a history of integrating Apple products, such as iPads for paperless flight decks, deploying iPhones and iPads for employees, and utilizing iPads with Touch ID for rapid document sign-off. This has improved operational efficiency and passenger experiences.

Beyond Bluetooth connectivity and fast Wi-Fi, the United widebodies offer Polaris business class with lie-flat seats and 16-inch seatback screens. The airline also announced new business-class amenities and services from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue.