The One Similarity Between United Airlines and Emirates

United Airlines and Emirates are different in almost every aspect. Emirates is known for great customer service while United is one of the most despised airlines in the U.S. Emirates has one of the youngest fleet ages in the world at 6.4 years while United has one of the oldest at 13.6 years. 

While Emirates is growing at a rapid pace, United is still struggling in the aftermath of its merger with Continental. 

United has also come out publicly opposing Emirates for receiving, in its eyes, unfair government subsidies. While some might view United Airlines and Emirates as polar opposites, they do have one thing in common: their 777-300ER hard products. 

In 2018, United will be retiring the iconic 747-400 and replacing it with the 777-300ER. United's first 777-300ER is scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2016.  

The introduction of the 777-300ER will give United a chance to release a new flagship product, like what American has done with the 777-300ER. So far, it looks like United has whiffed. 

Airline guru Brian Sumers reported, earlier this month, a possible seat map for United's 777-300ER. The design manual shows eight across seating in business class in a 2-4-2 configuration and 10 across seating in economy. 

From briansumers.com

While United did not comment on the validity of the design manuals, the seat maps reveal that United might continue with eight across business class seating, in an age where airlines are disposing of first class, including United, and where direct aisle access and personal space are business class necessities. It was not to long ago when American Airlines had eight across seating, in economy class.  

United's decision to go with 10 abreast economy is no surprise as airlines are trying to cram more and more passengers into each plane to maximize efficiency, of course to the dismay of economy passengers stuck with limited leg room and seat width during long haul flights.  

Emirates recently came out with its own new 777 business class this past month and underwhelmed as well. While no one can deny that the service on Emirates is unmatched, its business class seats are as uncomfortable as they are ugly. On the new seats, the faux gold is unappealing and overdone, just like the previous seats (Etihad and Singapore Airlines are much more classy). While the new seats are fully lie flat, an improvement over the current angled "lie flat" seats, Emirates will keep the current uncomfortable 2-3-2 configuration in business, leading to even more awkward moments for passengers in the middle seat trying to step over the stranger sleeping right next to them. Like United, Emirates' 777-300ER product features 10 across seating in economy class.   

For Emirates, their new 777 business class product is a disappointment, especially compared to their world-class A380 business class. While the A380 is undoubtedly the most important component of Emirates' fleet, many frequent  business class flyers would like to see the same level of hard product on the 777.  

For United and Emirates, their new 777 business class hard products are unimpressive and are little more than refreshes of the past. As other airlines such as American, Delta, and Etihad install spacious business class products with direct aisle access, United and Emirates are set to fall behind.