United Airlines gets an upgrade with new ultra-luxury seating, plans to add 250 planes by 2028

United Airlines recently announced that it will add 250 new planes to its fleet by April 2028, according to the company’s newsroom. This marks the most aircraft deliveries by any airline in a two-year span, PRNewsroom reported. The move brings ultra-luxury seating to more routes, including domestic ones.

Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella highlighted the impact, as reported in PRNewsroom’s announcement. “These new planes and products not only complement our fleet and network plans, but they also give our customers more premium amenity and seat choices—whether they bought a basic economy ticket to fly from Chicago to Fort Wayne or are flying Polaris between San Francisco and Singapore.”

Nocella added in his statement, “United is setting the pace and innovating for our customers at a scope and scale unheard of in aviation history—and we're not taking our foot off the gas.”

Coastliner brings Polaris to cross-country flights

According to PRNewsroom, the order includes 40 Airbus A321neo Coastliner planes. These feature the "Elevated" interior and high-end United Polaris lie-flat seats. Previously limited to international flights, Polaris now hits domestic paths.

The Coastliner planes sport a custom livery. They will link West Coast hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles to Newark and New York, PRNewsroom confirmed. Riders in Polaris gain United Polaris lounge access as well.

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United plans 100 total A321neo Coastliner and XLR aircraft, the company announced. These replace 40 older Boeing 757s. The 28 Airbus XLR jets offer 32 premium seats, 16 more than the jets they swap out.

New premium cabins and regional upgrades

Forty-seven Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are coming, the press release confirmed. Thirty-three get elevated interiors with 99 premium seats. They debut United Polaris Studio, 25% larger with privacy doors, an ottoman, and exclusive meals, PRNewsroom stated. These fly from San Francisco to Singapore starting Wednesday, April 22, according to the announcement. 

The CRJ450, a redesigned CRJ200 run by SkyWest, adds 50 units. Per the press release, it connects small cities to Chicago and Denver hubs with a first-class luggage closet and bigger economy bins.

United's United Elevated era promises fleet innovation for all. It offers a new onboard experience. Highlights include a built-in snack bar on Coastliner, widebody comfort on A321XLR, and spacious United First on regional jets, per United Airlines.

Other perks roll out, too. Starlink Wi-Fi goes free for MileagePlus members on select flights, expanding to all dual-cabin planes by 2027 end, United’s website states. Additionally, a Chef’s Table partnership brings acclaimed dishes this summer. Every seat gets screens, power, Bluetooth, and vast entertainment.

Since 2021, United Next has driven growth. According to United’s website, the carrier hired over 60,000 people and added 325 aircraft, including 22 Boeing 787s, 237 Boeing 737 MAX, and 67 Airbus A321neos. It retrofitted mainline jets, swapped regional ones, and boosted premium seats 40% per North American departure.