United Airlines to Introduce New Polaris Business Class Suites on Boeing 787-9s
by Krish Patel
Chicago-based United Airlines is finally introducing a new next-generation Polaris Business Class product. The elevated interiors will be found on their upcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which are expected to join the United widebody fleet later this year.
United Airlines New 787-9 Business Class Interiors
United debuted Polaris for the first time in 2016 on the Boeing 777-300ER before it was installed on other wide bodies. Now marks the first major refresh of Polaris, with all-new Business Class suites on newly delivered Boeing 787-9s that will feature the United Elevated cabins. The company's introduction of premium suites with sliding doors will make for a more competitive Business Class product, especially in the likes of the Delta One and new American Flagship Suites.
The ultra-premium 787s will feature a total of 64 suites across two Business Class cabins. 56 of them are regular Business Class Suites, while the remaining 8 are Polaris Studios. Suites in the forward cabin will face towards the window, while those in the aft cabin will face the aisle.
The studio suites will be located in the bulkhead rows and offer more storage space and a larger IFE screen than the other suites. The seat will come with an ottoman, where two travelers can sit together and dine. Signature Polaris seat elements such as a fake marble foam countertop and storage locker with a vanity mirror will be found in these suites, along with high-end finishes that will enhance the flying experience. As far as special amenities, passengers will receive hoodie-style pajamas, a premium amenity kit, and even a set of United Airlines playing cards, which is so extra.
United Airlines New 787-9 Routes
United has a massive order of 140 787s from Boeing, the first group of which will be based in San Francisco. SFO is United’s primary Pacific hub, where many of the airline’s Dreamliners are based.
The inaugural flight for this premium jet will be held in early 2026 on the carrier’s longest flight from San Francisco to Singapore. Shortly after sending the new 787-9s to SIN, United will deploy them from San Francisco to London Heathrow and later to some Australian cities.
It’s certain that these planes will eventually be sent to other hubs, but there’s no timeline for when that will happen. It also isn’t clear if United’s other wide bodies will be refurbished to feature the new Elevated interior, but the aging Boeing 767s will sadly never see the new cabins and are likely to be phased out soon.
Conclusion
Polaris Business Class on a United 787-9 from Johannesburg to Newark
United currently has a great Polaris Business Class product on the Dreamliner, but the introduction of new premium suites will enhance the travel experience even further. Having suites with privacy doors is something United is doing for the first time, which will be able to make their Business Class product more competitive with the likes of Delta, American, and even JetBlue. As a loyal United flyer, I can’t wait to step onboard one of these planes in the not-too-distant future.