United sets new standard for premium travel with ‘Elevated’ interior for 787-9 Dreamliners

May 13, 2025 in Business, Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

United Unveils the Elevated Aircraft Interior: Higher Standard of Premium International Travel Includes New Business Class Suites, Caviar Service and Largest Seatback Screens in the U.S. on new 787 Dreamliners

US major United Airlines has revealed a major upgrade to its international long-haul experience with the debut of its United Elevated aircraft interior, set to launch on new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The airline says the reimagined cabin raises the standard for premium travel among U.S. carriers, introducing new business class suites, caviar service, and the largest seatback screens in the skies.

The new aircraft interiors, scheduled to enter service in late 2025, will feature 99 premium seats — the most in United’s fleet — including eight new United Polaris Studio suites and 56 enhanced Polaris Business Class suites. The Studio suites offer lie-flat beds, privacy doors, companion seating with ottomans, luxury amenity kits, and 27-inch 4K OLED touchscreens, the largest of any U.S. airline.

“These new innovations provide a more premium experience overall and give customers even more reasons to choose United,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “This elevated experience will take international flying to new heights.”

Key features of the United Elevated interior include:

• Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service in Polaris Studio
• Free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members, even over oceans and remote areas
• Bluetooth connectivity in all cabins
• Wireless charging and digital seat controls
• Expanded premium dining options, including tapas and post-dessert snack boxes
• 99 premium seats total: 8 Polaris Studio, 56 Polaris, 35 Premium Plus
• Largest Economy class seatback screens (13-inch 4K OLED) and refreshed cabin look

The United Premium Plus cabin also receives its most significant upgrade to date, adding wireless charging, privacy dividers, and 16-inch seatback screens. United Economy Plus and Economy will feature upgraded seats, more charging ports, and refreshed interiors.

United says it expects to operate the first Elevated Dreamliner on routes between San Francisco and Singapore and San Francisco and London starting in 2026. Around 30 of these upgraded 787-9 aircraft are expected to join the fleet by 2027.

The airline has invested over $150 million in food and beverage improvements this year alone. Onboard enhancements include regional menu rotations, exclusive wines, and redesigned dishware across all cabins.

With these upgrades, United aims to reinforce its position as the leading U.S. airline for international travel, flying to 147 global destinations and offering what it calls the most extensive premium travel experience among American carriers.

In Africa, United operates flights between the USA and Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos, Accra and Marrakesh.  Later this month it will add Dakar, Senegal to its trans-Atlantic Africa network.