United Airlines is accelerating growth with a host of new aircraft, including a new subfleet of 'Coastliners' designed for transcontinental routes. Jenny Southan reports

United Airlines has unveiled plans for a major fleet expansion, with more than 250 new aircraft set to join its fleet by April 2028. The move marks the largest two-year aircraft intake by any airline and reflects a strategy focused on upgrading the passenger experience while increasing capacity across its network.

The airline says the expansion builds on its “United Next” programme launched in 2021, which has already seen significant investment in aircraft, interiors and onboard services.

Since then, United has added 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 237 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 67 Airbus A321neos, while increasing premium seating across North America by 40% and hiring more than 60,000 people.

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, says: “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. 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.”

Andrew Nocella, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, adds: “These new planes and products not only complement our fleet and network plans, but they also give our customers more premium amenity and seat choices – whether they bought a basic economy ticket to fly from Chicago to Ft Wayne or are flying Polaris between San Francisco and Singapore. United is setting the pace and innovating for our customers at a scope and scale unheard of in aviation history – and we’re not taking our foot off the gas.”

New aircraft joining United’s fleet between now and April 2028 include 47 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with the Elevated interior, of which 33 will be configured with additional premium seats, 40 Airbus A321neo Coastliners out of 50 total on order, 28 Airbus A321XLR out of 50 total on order, 119 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 18 Airbus A321neos.

The next phase of expansion includes a wide range of aircraft types, each designed to serve different parts of United’s network while introducing new onboard features.

Airbus A321neo ‘Coastliner’

A key part of the plan is the introduction of the Airbus A321neo “Coastliner” (pictured above), a new subfleet designed for transcontinental routes. The airline has 50 aircraft on order, with 40 expected to be in service by early 2028.

These aircraft will operate between Los Angeles, San Francisco and Newark/New York, some of United’s busiest routes. The Coastliner introduces lie-flat United Polaris seats with all-aisle access on domestic flights for the first time, alongside access to United Polaris lounges. Each aircraft will feature 20 Polaris seats, 12 premium economy seats and 129 economy seats, as well as a rear snack bar for economy passengers.

Airbus A321XLR

United has 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft on order, with 28 due to join the fleet by 2028. These planes will replace Boeing 757 aircraft on routes to smaller cities in Europe and South America.

The A321XLR will include 32 premium seats, doubling the number available on the aircraft it replaces. Cabins will feature lie-flat seats with privacy doors, large seatback screens and upgraded storage space. The aircraft is also expected to open new long-haul routes that were previously not viable.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The airline plans to receive 47 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with its new “Elevated” interior, with 33 configured to include additional premium seating.

These aircraft will feature United Polaris Studio suites, which are 25% larger than standard business class seats and include privacy doors, larger screens, wireless charging and upgraded dining options including caviar service. The first international flight with this configuration is scheduled to operate from San Francisco to Singapore on April 22.

Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321neo

As part of its narrowbody expansion, United will also take delivery of 119 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 18 additional Airbus A321neos by 2028. These aircraft will support domestic and short-haul international routes while benefiting from updated interiors and onboard technology.

CRJ450 regional jet

At the regional level, United is introducing a new CRJ450 aircraft, with more than 50 expected to enter service by 2028. Designed to connect smaller cities to hubs such as Denver and Chicago, the aircraft features a 41-seat layout.

The CRJ450 includes a United First cabin with a dedicated luggage closet instead of overhead bins, creating more space for passengers. Economy passengers will benefit from larger overhead bins and updated cabin finishes, while all travellers will have access to onboard connectivity through Starlink wifi.

Alongside the fleet expansion, United is also investing in a range of new onboard amenities aimed at improving the experience for all passengers. Starlink wifi will be rolled out across dual-cabin aircraft by the end of 2027 and will be free for MileagePlus members, offering a connection similar to home internet speeds. Economy passengers will see upgrades including softer blankets for long-haul routes and improved earbuds with better sound quality.

Other upgrades for passengers

The airline is also expanding its food and drink offering through a partnership with Chef’s Table, which will introduce menus designed by leading chefs.

At the same time, United plans to install seatback screens across its fleet, with more than 227,000 screens expected on over 1,200 aircraft within two years. Entertainment options will include films such as Sinners and One Battle After Another from Warner Bros. Pictures, alongside content from Apple TV, HBO Max, A24 and Spotify.

Additional improvements include larger overhead bins now installed on nearly 570 aircraft, as well as ongoing updates to United’s mobile app. Features include real-time journey updates, bag tracking using Apple AirTag integration and tools to help passengers navigate airports and boarding processes more easily.