United Unveils New Aircraft Orders With More Ultra-Premium Cabins

United has announced the introduction of not 1, but 3 new aircraft types: the Airbus A321neo, the Airbus A321XLR, and the all-new CRJ450.

“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,” said Andrew Nocella, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at United.

Let’s take a closer look.

United’s Airbus A321neo ‘Coastliner’

United Airlines has ordered 50 Airbus A321neos and expects to have received 40 of the subfleet by the end of 2028. The first of these A321neo jets, which it has nicknamed “Coastliner,” will start flying this summer.

The state-of-the-art jets, featuring a special custom livery, have been designed specifically to operate exclusively on key transcontinental routes from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) to Newark (EWR).

The layout features 20 newly designed lie-flat United Polaris seats (each with direct aisle access), 12 United Premium Plus (premium economy) seats, and 129 regular economy seats.

Additionally, this is the first time United will offer a proper premium economy cabin on short-haul aircraft.

In the rear galley, economy passengers will find a snack bar where they can grab something sweet, a savory bite, or a non-alcoholic drink whenever they like. That’s a nice premium touch for a domestic economy flight.

Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, Perricone MD skincare, and premium headphones, Polaris passengers flying the Coastliner will also enjoy a more premium experience than they might be used to on transcontinental flights. Moreover, United will allow Polaris passengers flying on these transcontinental routes to use Polaris lounges for the first time.

Headed to Europe and South America: United’s Airbus A321XLR

United’s order of Airbus A321XLRs — also 50 strong — will replace its aging fleet of Boeing 757s predominantly on European and South American routes.

Comprising 20 Polaris lie-flat seats with closing doors and 16 premium economy seats — the kind you’d expect to find on a long-haul aircraft — United is investing heavily in its premium offering.

The carrier teased that as it takes delivery of more XLRs, it will be able to expand its European and South American route network with new additions. This enhancement is due to the XLR’s lower capacity, longer range, and better economics.

A Private Jet-Like Experience With CRJ450

Last, but certainly not least, United also showed off its 41-seat CRJ450. Starting this fall, these jets will start to replace Chicago (ORD) and Denver (DEN)-based CRJ200s operated by SkyWest.

United describes the experience in the CRJ450 as the most private-jet-like you can get without actually flying private. A key feature, and an industry first, is that United has replaced overhead lockers in the first-class cabin with a stowage closet at the front of the aircraft.

United is also improving the economy experience, with overhead bins large enough to fit roller bags — still a rarity on small regional jets.

Final Thoughts

United is setting the bar high with its not 1, but 3 new aircraft. The experience onboard its new premium-focused Airbus A321neo, A321XLR, and CRJ450s will certainly be more comparable to what passengers are used to when flying on its larger, wide-body aircraft.

Whether you’re flying from Los Angeles to Newark, hopping across the Atlantic, or connecting between a regional airport and Chicago or Denver, there’s a good chance you’ll be trying out one of these 3 new aircraft by the end of the year.