Quantcast

United Airlines focuses on premium cabins as it updates Boeing 767-300ER fleet

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
United Airlines focuses on premium cabins as it updates Boeing 767-300ER fleet
Policy
Webp scoo
Scott Kirby, chief executive officer | United Airlines

United Airlines has made significant changes to its Boeing 767-300ER fleet, focusing on premium seating to increase revenue and meet evolving passenger expectations. The airline, a member of Star Alliance and led by CEO Scott Kirby, has operated the 767-300ER for over thirty years. This aircraft became central to United’s transatlantic and transpacific routes after joining the fleet in 1991.

In recent years, United has refurbished most of its 37 Boeing 767-300ERs with a premium-heavy configuration. Twenty-four aircraft now seat 167 passengers and feature 46 Polaris business class pods, 22 Premium Plus recliners, 43 Economy Plus seats, and 56 economy seats. Thirteen other aircraft retain a denser layout with 214 seats. The move aligns with industry trends as airlines seek higher returns from premium cabins amid saturated markets and fluctuating economy fares.

The Polaris business class cabin is United’s flagship long-haul product on these jets. It includes fully flat beds based on the Safran Optima platform, direct aisle access for each seat, amenity kits designed by Therabody, bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, and enhanced meal service. Passengers also gain access to United Polaris lounges at select airports or partner lounges elsewhere.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Behind Polaris is Premium Plus, introduced in 2019 as United’s premium economy offering. According to Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer at United Airlines: “United Premium Plus includes some of our high-end amenities from United Polaris, and is the perfect option for someone who wants an upgraded experience in the Economy cabin.” Premium Plus provides wider seats with more legroom than standard economy, additional amenities such as blankets and amenity kits, complimentary meals and drinks.

Economy Plus offers extra legroom compared to standard economy seating but shares similar basic features such as nine-inch HD touchscreens and AC power outlets.

Data from aviation analytics company Cirium shows that in October United will operate more than one thousand flights using these premium-fitted Boeing 767-300ERs. The Newark-London Heathrow route will see up to seven daily departures in each direction—the highest deployment of this aircraft type—followed by Chicago O’Hare-London Heathrow with three daily departures. Other key routes include Newark-Naples and Chicago O’Hare-Amsterdam.

Despite ongoing upgrades, the average age of the fleet is nearly thirty years old. United plans to retire all its Boeing 767-300ERs by 2027 as part of efforts to reduce emissions and operating costs while modernizing its widebody fleet with newer models like the Boeing 787.

Until their retirement, these aircraft will continue serving high-demand international routes where premium seating remains in strong demand among travelers seeking comfort on long-haul journeys.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Passengers planning summer travel for 2026 can now book flights with Lufthansa Group Airlines, which has released its schedule featuring new destinations and increased frequencies.

Oct 28, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced its Employees of the Month at its LAV facility.

Oct 28, 2025

Flying Food Group's San Francisco facility recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with its employees.

Oct 28, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Oct 27, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes new flights from Newark to Bari, Split, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow, as well as from Newark to Seoul and Washington, D.C., to Reykjavik.

Oct 27, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a limited-time 20% discount on fares between Addis Ababa and Porto.

Oct 27, 2025