United To Offer Gate-to-Gate Transfer Service With Jaguar Electric Cars
The airline's Premier members can expect smooth airport transfers in a Jaguar I-PACE HSE SUV from the end of the month
Photo: Courtesy of PRNewsfoto/United Airlines
United Airlines passengers making connections will soon be whisked to their next aircraft on an electric SUV from Jaguar, as the automaker and airline partner on a green gate-to-gate transfer service. United’s new fleet of Jaguar I-PACE HSE SUVs will start transferring customers this month at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
The service will be available to select Premier members of United’s reward program, MileagePlus, with quick layovers at the airport.
The electric transfer service will be extended to other United hubs in Denver, Houston, Newark-New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles by the end of the year.
Photo: Courtesy of Jaguar
The electric SUVs are expected to make 60 trips per day and transfer more than 1,000 customers. “The new United-Jaguar ground transfer program offers travelers a moment of luxury and ease while also raising sustainability standards for the airline industry,” said Luc Bondar, United’s Marketing and Loyalty V.P. and MileagePlus President.
“United is working to lead with innovation and purpose that motivates the industry to do better for our customers and communities. Partnering with Jaguar to deploy an all-electric fleet is not only a smart business move, as we know customers consider sustainability when booking travel, it is the right thing to do.”
United says the Jaguar-powered ground transfer service is a “surprise benefit” for Premier members making tight connections at hub airports, echoing what Delta Air Lines does with its Diamond Medallion members with Porsche cars throughout its hubs in the U.S.
Photo: Courtesy of Chris Leipelt – Unsplash
“We are thrilled to partner with United Airlines to further ignite the passion travelers have for eco-minded exploration, as sustainability and electrifying performance are at the heart of the Jaguar brand,” said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America.”
“Both United and Jaguar have boldly pledged to advancing transportation technology that will help propel us towards a more sustainable future, and we are excited for travelers to have the opportunity to experience these innovations on the tarmac,” he added.
The I-PACE HSE is Jaguar’s first all-electric performance SUV. While United’s fleet will just be zipping around the airport, the vehicle has an estimated range of up to 246 miles. Moreover, when connected to a fast 100-kW D.C. charger, it can replenish its battery for a 63-mile drive in as little as 15 minutes.
