Boeing Delays Haunt United Airlines with Stashed Premium Seats
United Airlines has hundreds of premium seats designed for its Boeing 737 Max 10 aircraft stored in warehouses, awaiting delivery. The airline's CEO, Scott Kirby, acknowledged that these lie-flat seats don't fit on other planes and are currently unusable.
The 737 Max 10 was initially expected to enter service by 2020, but Boeing faced issues with the plane's anti-icing system and safety concerns, pushing back delivery. Now, with approval reportedly close, United is preparing for the arrival of its first 167 Max 10 aircraft in summer 2027.
United has adapted to Boeing's delays by upgrading its Airbus A321neo jets with new Polaris suites and premium economy seats for transcontinental flying. However, these upgrades won't fit on the Max 10 aircraft, requiring United to develop a separate interior plan once the planes arrive.