United Airlines announced it will add more than 250 planes to its fleet by April 2028, the most by any airline in a two-year period, as a way to modernize its fleet, and differentiate itself for customers.
The airline will add 100 “Coastliner” Airbus A321 subfleet and the A321XLR that feature an elevated interior and a new, all-aisle access lie-flat seat in United Polaris with more elbow and shoulder room, as well as lower suite walls that protect privacy. The Coastliner aircraft will replace 40 older, less efficient Boeing 757s. United’s A321XLR gives travelers access to 32 premium seats – 16 more than the 757 it replaces – and will start flying later this year.
The airline will also add the CRJ450, a redesigned version of the CRJ2000, that will be operated by SkyWest and connect smaller cities to the airline’s Denver and Chicago hubs starting this fall. United’s new 787-9 with its elevated interior will fly internationally starting on April 22, and include a new United Polaris Studio with lie-flat, all-aisle access seats that are 25 percent larger than standard Polaris seats and include privacy doors an ottoman, exclusive meal service with wine pairings and caviar and new amenity kits.
“For more than a decade, we’ve invested billions of dollars in our product, service, and technology as part of our plan to be the best brand loyal airline in the world, and the result is that more and more customers are choosing to fly us every day,” United CEO Scott Kirby said. “Today we accelerate our plans and elevate our offerings to the next level, creating an even more consistent, premium onboard experience for every customer and delivering value across every cabin of service.”