The upcoming United Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 “Elevated” interior seats are poised to set up a direct showdown with American Airlines’ new premium-configured 787-9s, which feature Flagship Suite seating. United Airlines is rebalancing the Dreamliner toward high-margin demand as it adds a new, higher-priced United Polaris Studio. A few extra-large seats will also be located at the front of aircraft cabins. The new product not only refreshes the standard Polaris suite with doors and larger screens, but also expands Premium Plus and trims the economy cabin. American’s approach is rather different but equally aggressive, as its premium Boeing 787-9 program scales a large Flagship Suite cabin across a growing subfleet, all while adding a redesigned Premium Economy cabin.
