United Airlines Boosts Premium Footprint with Expanded Boeing 787 Routes

United Airlines is expanding its Boeing 787-9 routes to eight total, with four new long-haul flights added from Houston. The Elevated aircraft will carry 222 seats, including 64 in business class and 35 in premium economy. These jets are part of a larger strategy by United Airlines to increase revenue through premium cabins, which tend to bring in higher margins.

The airline's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella, has stated that the Elevated experience will 'take international flying to new heights.' The Houston hub is now the second destination for the Boeing 787-9 Elevated service, with flights to Sao Paulo, Sydney, Tokyo Narita, and London Heathrow added.

San Francisco International Airport was the first hub for the Elevated Boeing 787-9 service, launching in April 2026. United Airlines expects around 30 of these aircraft to carry the Elevated interior by year's end, out of a total of 58 in the fleet with 74 more on order.