United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) is looking forward to switching its focus from adding new regional frequencies to upgauging these routes with larger aircraft, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said during the Cowen and Company 12th Annual Global Transportation Conference.

"We needed frequency depth to fix the connectivity problem. We had a lack of connectivity comparing to our competitors. We had been on the march to use the aircraft we have more. There will be a point when we transition from connectivity to gauge. We will be replacing the small aircraft with larger, lower CASM aircraft," he said.

Nocella pointed out that adding seats to a route is the easiest way to manage unit costs, but for now the carrier is still focused on adding more frequencies.

He also said that the airline will have to find the right balance for the number of aircraft types taking into consideration the existing scope clause, which limits the options to outsource operations to 76-seaters or smaller aircraft.

The airline has been rumoured to evaluate A220s and E2s as potential options for the upgauging of regional jets.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the United Express fleet, operated by regional production carriers, currently includes 172 CRJ200s, eighty-nine CRJ700s, 180 E145s, thirty-nine E170s, and 166 E175s.