United Airlines Invests $150 Million in Fleet Improvements for 2025

United Airlines announces major investments in service enhancements, including new Polaris Studios business class suites featuring larger seats, advanced connectivity, and premium cabin upgrades for Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

United Airlines has invested more than $150 million in 2025 in sustenance offering improvements, including the unveiling of new Polaris Studios business class suites that are 25% larger than current seats. The carrier announced the enhanced interiors will be introduced on Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with first delivery expected in late 2025 and commercial service beginning in 2026.

The airline revealed its new Polaris Studios on May 13, positioning the investment as part of a broader strategy to lead U.S. carriers in international premium travel. The upgraded 787-9s will feature eight exclusive Polaris Studios suites in the front row of each business class section, offering lie-flat seats with all-aisle access, privacy doors, and 27-inch 4K OLED entertainment screens — the largest among U.S. airlines.

Andrew Nocella, United’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the carrier’s commitment to continuous improvement. “We never stand still and are always looking for more ways to set ourselves apart from other carriers,” Nocella said. He concluded that United Airlines is confident that the Polaris Suites and the overall improvement in the premium travel experience will take international flying to new heights.

Fleet Transformation Details

The comprehensive cabin upgrade, branded as “United Elevated,” includes 99 premium seats across business class and United Premium Plus configurations. Each 787-9 will accommodate:

• 8 Polaris Studios
• 56 standard Polaris seats
• 35 United Premium Plus seats
• 33 United Economy Plus seats
• 90 United Economy seats

This represents a significant shift in cabin configuration from current 787-9s, which feature 48 Polaris seats, 21 Premium Plus, 39 Economy Plus, and 149 economy class seats.

Enhanced Passenger Amenities

The new Polaris Studios introduce several premium features:

• 25% larger seating area compared to standard Polaris seats
• Privacy doors for enhanced personal space
• Extra ottoman seats for companion seating
• Wireless charging capabilities
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Exclusive meal starters
• New amenity kits

According to United, “Standard United Polaris seats also get upgraded to suites with the addition of sliding doors and larger, 19-inch 4K OLED screens, and all customers flying United Polaris business class have access to the airline’s six award-winning United Polaris lounges across the system.”

Technology Integration

The upgraded aircraft will introduce Starlink satellite connectivity for MileagePlus members on widebody aircraft. United plans to extend this in-flight connectivity solution to its regional aircraft fleet in May.

Deployment Schedule

United Airlines expects to receive its first 787-9 with United Elevated interiors in late 2025, with commercial service commencing in 2026. Initial routes will operate from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to:

• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Boeing is scheduled to deliver approximately 30 787-9s with the new interiors by 2027, according to carrier estimates.

Strategic Market Position

The investment positions United to compete more effectively in the international premium travel market. Nocella noted that United already flies to the most destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific among U.S.-based carriers, and these innovations will provide additional reasons for passengers to choose United while setting up the carrier for growth in the next decade.

The new interiors feature refined finishes throughout the cabin with what the company describes as a “fresher, brighter, and warmer feel,” including a new onboard snack bar for business class customers.