United Airlines Orders 110 New Aircraft With Deliveries Starting In 2028 And Upgrades Polaris

United Airlines, the largest airline serving routes across the Atlantic and Pacific, has revealed plans to procure an additional 110 aircraft, starting from 2028. This expansion builds upon the early success of the United Next initiative and adds greater flexibility to its long-term fleet. The airline has solidified its commitment by converting prior options and purchase rights into firm orders, including 50 Boeing 787-9s scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2031, and 60 Airbus A321neos to be delivered from 2028 to 2030. Moreover, United Airlines has secured new options for up to 50 more Boeing 787s and purchase rights for an extra 40 A321neo aircraft towards the end of the decade.

Anticipating the arrival of roughly 800 new narrowbody and widebody aircraft between 2023 and the close of 2032, United Airlines places significant emphasis on growing its aircraft size (gauge) to accommodate more passengers on the same routes. This strategy aligns with United’s presence in major markets across the U.S., including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/NYC, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., enhancing both domestic and international connectivity.

In 2019, United Airlines averaged 104 seats per North American departure, one of the lowest figures in the industry. By 2027, the airline projects a substantial increase of more than 40% to over 145 seats per departure. United Airlines has firm orders for 180 A321neo and over 370 737 MAX aircraft through 2030, a combination that will further raise the average seats per departure on these larger planes, with the added benefit of reduced per-seat costs.

United Airlines boasts the largest number of Boeing 787s on firm order globally, with 150 on the list, and aims for 75% of its fleet to consist of new-generation aircraft by 2030.

United also announced the largest upgrade to its United Polaris International Business Class experience in seven years. New in-airport and onboard amenities from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue make their debut.

Tucked inside the reusable belt bag amenity kit made with recycled plastic, customers will find:

• TheraFace eye serum: United is the only U.S. airline that offers an eye serum in its amenity kit. Crafted with ingredients like niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 and allantoin, the serum helps reduce puffiness, enhance hydration, soothe the delicate eye area and improve the skin’s barrier function.
• TheraFace face spray: Formulated to help soothe, hydrate and protect the skin, this spray features hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5, calendula flower extract, aloe leaf juice and glycerin.
• TheraFace cleansing towelette: Wipe-off the travel day without drying the skin thanks to ingredients like Vitamin B5 and E, calendula flower extract, aloe leaf juice and glycerin.
• TheraFace hand cream: Avoid dreaded dry hands thanks to ingredients like niacinamide, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, sweet almond oil and Vitamin B5. Both the hand cream and face spray are available in the onboard lavatories as well.
• The must-haves: The kit also includes go-to amenities for arriving refreshed, including a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs, socks and a pen.

United Polaris lounges will feature award-winning Therabody devices like the Lounger, Theragun and RecoveryAir JetBoots in United Polaris lounges. Starting with New York/Newark and San Francisco lounges late October subsequently Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles and Washington Dulles. Additional amenities available through lounge valets include the Theragun and RecoveryAir JetBoots to support circulation, lymphatic drainage and muscle recovery and aid in decreased swelling and stiffness, plus SmartGoggles to help customers feel more relaxed. The TheraFace skin and body care products are also available in the United Polaris lounge restrooms and showers.

The airline introduces inflight wellness videos from Therabody’s team of experts on its Inflight Entertainment screens. Check out the movement, breathwork and guided meditations that support travellers’ relaxation and sleep.

The new Saks Fifth Avenue bedding includes select items that are made with recycled plastic, aligned with United’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, and feature a new limited-edition day blanket from fashion designer Claude Kameni, who was named as one of the most influential Black designers to watch in 2023. The United Polaris experience includes large pillow and duvet and an extra cool pillow for ultimate comfort on the airline’s signature United Polaris lie-flat seats.

The food and beverage offerings onboard will see more than 20 new wine, beer and liquor brands added to its menu. Travellers can expect award-winning brands such as Whispering Angel, Groth, Caymus Mer Soleil and Tito’s. Additional brands such as JUSTIN Justification and Bell’s will be introduced later this year.