United Airlines says it is ‘raising the standard’ of international premium travel as it reveals details of its new 787-9 interiors, the first of which will arrive by the end of this year.
These aircraft will boast two new business class suites, the greatest number of total premium seats in UA’s fleet, Starlink wifi connectivity and larger seatback screens.
UA’s evp and chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella says the innovations will set the airline up to grow into the next decade and beyond. The reimagined interior is designed to be brighter and warmer, with eight UA Polaris business class studio suites and the 56 Polaris business class suites, in a one-two-one configuration. There’s also 35 Premium Plus seats (two-three-two) 33 economy plus seats and 90 United economy seats.
. . . Studio Suits
The new Polaris studio suites will be located in the first row of each business class section, each offering lie-flat beds and all-aisle-access.
Highlights include privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions, exclusive entrée options and an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity, and 27-inch seatback screens.
. . . Polaris
UA will also enhance its standard Polaris seats as part of the upgrade with the addition of sliding doors and larger 19-inch screens, a new onboard grab-and-go snack bar, and mid-flight meal options.
. . . Premium Plus
In premium plus the carrier is adding quartzite cocktail tables and 16-inch 4K OLED screens, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging and water bottles. There’s also headphone holders and privacy dividers with built-in reading lights. At the same time, the United economy plus and United economy will be improved via the addition of 13-inch screens (which it says will be the largest economy class screens in the world) as well as Bluetooth connectivity and new cradling seat bottoms.
There will also be expanded dining options with three entrée choices , new desserts, and an appetizer course. These aircraft will also be among the first UA widebody planes to have free Starlink connectivity for United MileagePlus members.
The carrier expects to take delivery of the first 787-9 with the elevated interior before the end of 2025, flying between San Francisco and Singapore and SFO and London from 2026. There are around 30 of these aircraft expected to join the fleet by 2027, adds UA.
