United Airlines plans to equip incoming Boeing 787-9s with new business-class suites and updated premium-economy seats as part of a cabin refresh the carrier markets as its “Elevated” aircraft interior.
Chicago-based United disclosed the plan on 13 May, saying the updates will “raise the standard of international premium travel among US carriers”.
“We never stand still and are always looking for more ways to set ourselves apart from other carriers. And we’re confident this elevated experience will take international flying to new heights,” says United chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella.
Before year-end, United expects to receive its first 787-9 with the updated cabin.
The jets will be outfitted with eight “Polaris Studio suites” – a new product with “privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions”, 27in seat-back screens and “wool-blend” seats that are 25% larger than United’s standard Polaris seats, the airline says.
United will also offer Polaris Studio passengers new meal options that will include caviar.
The incoming 787-9s will also have 56 of United’s standard Polaris business-class seats, but the airline will upgrade those into “suites, with the addition of sliding doors” and larger, 19in TV screens.
Additionally, the jets will have 35 “updated” premium-economy seats – which United calls Premium Plus. Those seats will have “privacy dividers and wireless charges”.
The 787-9s will have a total 99 business- and premium-economy seats, compared to 69 such seats on United’s existing 787-9s.
The refresh amounts to “a nose-to-tail transformation”, United says, adding that the jets will have “refinished finishes and a fresher, brighter and warmer feel”.
United plans to place into revenue service the first 787-9s with the new Elevated cabins in 2026 on routes from San Francisco to both Singapore and London.
