United Opens Ticket Sales for First Boeing 787-9 with Elevated Interior Flights; Rolls Out New 737-8 MAX Fleet in Guam
- Joe Breitfeller
- 4 minutes ago
- 4 min read
On Thursday, United Airlines announced that ticket sales are now open for flights on their first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring the United Elevated cabin design. The carrier also announced the rollout of a brand new B737-8 MAX fleet in Guam.
On Thursday (March 19, 2026), United Airlines announced the opening of ticket sales for their most premium international aircraft yet, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring the United Elevated interior. Unveiled last May, this new aircraft has been redesigned from nose-to-tail with 99 total premium seats, the highest of percentage of any U.S. carrier. This also marks the debut of the airline’s new United Polaris Studio℠ suites, eight, lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25 percent larger than standard United Polaris® seats. Polaris Studio also feature privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen, the largest among U.S. carriers. Additionally, Polaris Studio guests will enjoy Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, including duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow, Exclusive hoodie-pajamas and slippers, new noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology and amenity kits featuring clinically formulated Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ elevated skincare products
In Thursday’s announcement, United Airlines’ EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella, said,
“The new era of premium air travel is coming soon with our first Elevated aircraft taking flight next month. Our new aircraft redefines international long-haul flying, providing travelers upgraded amenities and experiences in every cabin. We’re constantly pioneering new ways to differentiate our customers' experience in every seat, and we’re confident they will love it.”
United’s first 787-9 featuring the new United Elevated interior will take its inaugural international flight for customers from San Francisco to Singapore, UA1, on April 22nd, followed by service from San Francisco to London, UA901, on April 30, 2026. Over the next few weeks, customers may see the plane flying on select domestic routes between San Francisco and Houston as the aircraft is readied for its international debut.
In addition to the super premium United Polaris Studio℠ suites, the new United Elevated 787-9 cabin interior offers an enhanced experience at every seat. The aircraft also features 56 United Polaris® fully lie-flat seats, offering guests a choice of seats that face the window or center of the aircraft for individuals or joint travelers. These Polaris seats also offer a 19-inch 4K OLED touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, and the cabin features a United Polaris snack bar.
The 35 United Premium Plus® seats are roomier and feature added privacy dividers and built-in reading light, a first for United Premium Plus, as well as 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreens with Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, and upgraded dining and amenities. Additionally, the 39 Economy Plus® and 84 Economy seats feature 13-inch 4K OLED seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity, 6 power outlets per row, and larger overhead bins. United plans to have at least 30 787-9 Dreamliners with the elevated cabin interiors flying around the globe by the end of 2027.
In a separate press release on Thursday (March 19, 2026), United Airlines announced that they are replacing their current Boeing 737-800 fleet in Guam with ten new Boeing 737-8 MAX airplanes. The new jets feature 164 total seats, including up to 14 United FirstSM seats. Each 737-8 will offer United’s signature interior with seatback entertainment in every seat, larger overhead bins, Wi-Fi available for purchase, more extra-legroom seating, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a bright look-and-feel with LED lighting.
When needed, the front rows of Economy class can be collapsed to accommodate a medical stretcher for patients requiring medevac transport. There are already two United 737-8 MAX aircraft in Guam, which have operated throughout United’s system, surprising and delighting customers. From April 30, 2026, the first regularly scheduled flights operated with the new aircraft will include services to Tokyo-Narita (NRT), followed by service to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN), and Koror, Palau (ROR). By December, United expects all single-aisle flights from Guam, including the Island Hopper service, to be operated with a 737-8 MAX.
In Thursday’s announcement, United Airlines’ SVP – Global Network Planning and Alliances, Patrick Quayle, said,
“Guam has long played an important role in our Pacific network, both as a destination and for connecting communities across Micronesia with Asia and the continental United States. The introduction of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 helps us deliver a more consistent and reliable experience for customers traveling to the 15 destinations we serve throughout the region. We’re proud to invest in Guam and provide local customers and visitors with a premium experience that customers deserve and expect from us.”
Currently, United’s Guam-based single-aisle fleet serves 15 destinations from Guam, with up to 12 daily flights. This includes the unique Island Hopper route that connects Guam and Hawaii through stops at Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Kwajalein, and Majuro. United also operates up to 42 weekly flights to Japan’s three largest cities, including Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda, Osaka and Nagoya. The 737-8 MAX fleet will operate to all other points served via United’s Guam hub including Koror, Manila, Saipan, Yap, and Taipei, and routes between Tokyo-Narita and Cebu, Ulaanbaatar, Saipan, Kaohsiung, and Koror.
Source: United Airlines / PRNewswire
