United Airlines is expanding the deployment of its premium-focused Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at London Heathrow, adding the redesigned aircraft to key routes serving San Francisco and Houston. The rollout strengthens the carrier’s competitive position in the transatlantic market while introducing more private business-class suites, upgraded technology and expanded onboard dining.
The Chicago-based airline is now operating aircraft equipped with its United Elevated interior on all three daily flights between London Heathrow and San Francisco International Airport. The upgraded Dreamliner is also scheduled to begin serving United’s London-Houston route on Jan. 6, 2027.
United Adds Premium Capacity on London Routes
The Elevated Boeing 787-9 is configured with 222 seats across five categories. It includes eight United Polaris Studio suites, 56 standard Polaris suites, 35 United Premium Plus seats, 33 United Economy Plus seats and 90 United Economy seats.
United introduced the first 787-9 featuring the redesigned cabin on international services in 2026. The aircraft initially operated between San Francisco and Singapore before being deployed on flights serving London.
By assigning the new interior to additional Heathrow services, United is placing its latest premium product on some of its most important international routes. London remains a major market for corporate and premium leisure travel, while San Francisco and Houston are among the airline’s principal U.S. hubs.
Polaris Studio Suites Offer Greater Privacy
The eight Polaris Studio suites are located in the first row of each business-class section and are approximately 25% larger than United’s standard Polaris seats.
Each lie-flat suite includes a sliding privacy door, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and a 27-inch 4K OLED entertainment screen. An additional ottoman allows a companion to sit inside the suite during part of the flight.
The suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout across two sections, providing direct aisle access for every passenger. Studio customers will also receive upgraded service features, including exclusive entrée selections, luxury skincare amenity kits and an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé.
The aircraft’s 56 standard Polaris suites will also have sliding privacy doors. Each seat includes direct aisle access and a 19-inch 4K OLED screen, with passengers able to select configurations facing the window, center of the cabin or aisle.
Premium Plus and Economy Cabins Receive Upgrades
United Premium Plus will contain 35 seats, the largest Premium Plus cabin offered on any aircraft in the airline’s fleet. Seats in the cabin will feature privacy dividers and wireless charging.
Economy Plus and Economy passengers will also receive larger entertainment screens and Bluetooth connectivity. The aircraft is expected to be among United’s first widebody jets to provide free Starlink internet access to members of the airline’s MileagePlus loyalty program.
United is extending its onboard service investments beyond premium cabins. Economy passengers will receive a choice of three entrées, along with an appetizer course and new desserts.
Airline Expands Food and Beverage Program
United said it invested more than $150 million in food and beverage improvements during 2025. On the Elevated aircraft, Polaris passengers will have access to a self-service snack bar stocked with products from brands including Garrett’s, Community and Joe & Seph’s.
Polaris Studio passengers will receive additional premium dining elements, while midflight options will include a regionally inspired tapas service.
The cabin upgrades form part of a broader strategy to distinguish United’s international offering as airlines compete for higher-spending travelers on long-haul routes.
Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said: “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. We never stand still and are always looking for more ways to set ourselves apart from other airlines. And we’re confident this elevated experience will take international flying to new heights.”
Wider Boeing 787-9 Rollout Planned
United plans to install the Elevated interior and Polaris Studio suites on all future Boeing 787 deliveries. The airline expects approximately 30 aircraft with the new configuration to join its fleet by 2027.
In addition to London, San Francisco and Singapore, the redesigned aircraft is being introduced on long-haul services from Houston to São Paulo, Tokyo and Sydney.
The wider rollout will make the Elevated interior a more prominent part of United’s international fleet. For travelers, the changes will bring greater privacy in business class, a larger premium-economy cabin and improved connectivity, entertainment and dining throughout the aircraft.
