January 18, 2017 – One of 2017’s most highly anticipated airline launches, United’s Polaris business class product, is set to take to the skies next month. Not only will Polaris customers finally be able to experience the product that was unveiled in June 2016, those lucky first flyers will be enjoying Polaris on board a brand-new Boeing 777-300ER – the first of 14 777-300ERs United expects to place into service in 2017.
The aircraft is fittingly named ‘New Spirit of United’, given that it represents a turning point for United in terms of an improved passenger experience, particularly with the introduction of its lie-flat Polaris business class seats. Other enhancements at the airline include significant improvements in operational reliability – last year United achieved its best full-year on-time performance in its history – and the completion of new agreements with every domestic unionized work group.
Above: The ‘New Spirit of United’ B777-300ER represents a reimagined passenger experience and a reinvigorated workforce
Of particular interest is the innovative Polaris seat, which has a “density neutral” LOPA that has afforded United lie-flat seats, all with direct aisle access, with no penalty in terms of seat count compared with its outgoing inferior product. You can read the full story of the invention and development of the seat HERE, watch a video fly-through of the new Polaris cabins HERE, and access an image gallery HERE.
“This aircraft symbolizes the new spirit, the energy and enthusiasm that I have seen in our employees, who take great pride in the work they are doing to take care of our customers and one another,” said Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines.
Polaris is a major project, and one that Aircraft Interiors International will be following closely. Watch out for further details in our March 2017 issue.
