United Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, becoming the first North American airline to take delivery of the aircraft type.
The new Dreamliner is 18 feet longer than the 787-9 and can carry more passengers and cargo than previous 787 aircraft.
United’s 787-10 will feature 44 United Polaris business class seats, 21 United premium plus seats, 54 economy plus seats and 199 standard economy seats.
The 787-10 is also the first aircraft to be delivered with United’s signature all-aisle-access Polaris business class and United premium plus seats already installed.
“The 787-10 is an excellent addition to United’s fleet. It offers superior fuel efficiency while providing a more comfortable customer experience onboard that allows passengers to arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed,” said Gerry Laderman, chief financial officer at United.
The airline has also invested in cabin features onboard the new Dreamliner, with updated lighting patterns to mimic the sunrise and sunsets aiming to help passengers in each cabin to sleep and to better adjust to new time zones.
The airline is also installing a new seatback entertainment system featuring split-screen capabilities allowing customers to watch a movie and view the flight map simultaneously.
The entertainment system also includes a relax mode that allows customers to customise a selection of videos and relaxing audio playlists, and also includes movie and television recommendations based on the remaining flight time, previously watched content and movies and shows that have been added to a customer’s favourite list.
United also claims that its new entertainment system will feature “the world’s most extensive suite of accessibility features on a seatback entertainment system,” accommodating any level of vision, and providing support for customers with hearing and mobility issues.
The aircraft is expected to enter service between United’s Los Angeles and Newark/New York hubs on 7 January.
United is the first airline to have the entire family of 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners in its fleet, and expects to take delivery of 14 787-10 aircraft.
