United Airlines has unveiled its ‘United Elevated’ interiors for its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft to be deployed on long-haul international flights by 2026.
The Elevated interior on the 787-9 includes a nose-to-tail transformation with a total of 99 total premium seats, which United said is the highest percentage among US carriers.
A total of eight United Polaris Studio suites are placed in the first row of each business class section. All suites feature lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25% larger than the standard United Polaris. Each suite comes with a privacy door, an extra ottoman seat for companions, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, and new amenity kits.
The suites also offer wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen, currently the largest screen measurement among US carriers.
Standard United Polaris seats also get upgraded to suites with the addition of sliding doors and larger, 19-inch 4K OLED screens.
“We already deliver a superior international experience and fly to the most places across the Atlantic and Pacific – these new innovations provide a more premium experience overall, give customers even more reasons to choose United, and set our airline up to grow into the next decade and beyond,” said Andrew Nocella, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at United.
“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,” Nocella added.
Economy seats have also been upgraded and every seat will be equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and increased screen size.
United said it has invested more than $150 million in total food and beverage improvements for 2025, including economy cabins, which will see expanded dining options with three entree choices, new desserts, and an appetizer course.
The airline expects to take delivery of the first B787-9 with the United Elevated interior before the end of 2025, with the first international passenger flights scheduled for 2026 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), and SFO Airport to London Heathrow International Airport (LHR).
The airline said that all its future B787 deliveries will be equipped with the United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors. United expects about 30 of these planes to join its fleet by 2027.
The first deliveries of the B787-9 aircraft with the Elevated interior will include:
- 15 total rows in a 3-3-3 configuration
- Eight United Polaris business class Studio suites
- Two rows across two sections, 1-2-1 configuration
- 56 United Polaris business class suites 14 rows, across two sections, in a 1-2-1 configuration
- 35 United Premium Plus seats, the most in United’s fleet
- 5 rows in a 2-3-2 configuration
- 33 United Economy Plus seats and 90 United Economy seats
