United Airlines has announced plans to enhance its fleet with the introduction of new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, set to enter service in early 2026. The airline has placed an order for a total of 141 aircraft, building on its existing fleet of 47 Boeing 787-9s. Among these new deliveries, one aircraft, identified as N27997, will feature a standard interior, while the remainder will incorporate United’s innovative “Elevate” interior design. This new configuration promises an updated seating layout across all classes, significantly enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
The upcoming Boeing 787-9s will include revamped seating in all three classes—Polaris, Premium Plus, and economy. Notably, these aircraft will feature the most premium-heavy seating layout among US-registered widebody aircraft. United Airlines has previously ordered a total of 71 Boeing 787s, which included a mix of 12 787-8s, 38 787-9s, and 21 787-10s. In 2022, the airline expanded its commitment by ordering an additional 100 Boeing 787s, with options for another 100. In 2023, United exercised 50 of these options, focusing on the 787-9 variant for future deliveries.
Details of the New “Elevate” Interior
United’s current Boeing 787-9 fleet is designated as “78P” and is equipped with 48 Polaris seats, 21 Premium Plus seats, and 188 economy seats, including 39 Economy Plus seats. The new “78L” configuration will significantly increase the premium seating, with plans to feature 64 Polaris suites and 35 Premium Plus seats, along with 123 economy seats. The Polaris cabin will incorporate the Adient Ascent seats, complete with privacy doors, enhancing comfort and exclusivity for business travelers.
All future Boeing 787 deliveries are expected to showcase the new Elevate interior. While United has not specified whether all subsequent 787-9s will follow the “78L” configuration, the airline has indicated a commitment to modernizing its fleet. The company has yet to clarify if existing aircraft will be retrofitted with the new seating arrangements, but potential candidates for reconfiguration include the 787-8, 787-9, 787-10, and 777-300ER fleets.
Inside the new “78L” subfleet, passengers can expect upgraded seat covers and finishes throughout the aircraft. Economy seats will feature the Collins Aspire model, which has proven popular on United’s international routes. These seats will now come with a larger 4K OLED screen, measuring 13 inches (33.02 centimeters), which will be the largest economy screen available on any US airline. Additionally, the seats will offer six power outlets per row and Bluetooth connectivity.
Strategic Route Deployments
United Airlines plans to deploy these new aircraft on high-demand routes, with the first flights expected to operate between San Francisco and major international hubs such as Singapore and London-Heathrow. The “78L” configuration is particularly suited for these routes, allowing the airline to replace its aging Boeing 767-300ERs, which currently operate with a total of 167 seats, including 46 Polaris seats.
The new aircraft’s capacity of 222 seats also enhances United’s operational efficiency on long-haul flights. The San Francisco to Singapore route is one of the airline’s longest, and the new design will help alleviate payload restrictions often faced during high headwinds. Not only will the upgraded layout facilitate full passenger loads year-round, but it will also allow for the introduction of ultra-long-haul routes, including a previously canceled flight from Los Angeles to Singapore.
As United Airlines prepares for the arrival of these advanced aircraft, its strategy remains focused on meeting the growing demand for premium travel. While it is uncertain how many of the incoming 787s will feature the “78L” configuration, the airline’s success with its existing premium-heavy 767 fleet suggests a positive outlook for the future of its long-haul operations.
With the introduction of the new Boeing 787-9s, United Airlines reinforces its position as a leader in premium air travel, poised to meet the evolving needs of its international customer base. As the airline continues to innovate, the upcoming deliveries promise to enhance the overall travel experience while supporting United’s extensive global network.
