Tokyo is set to receive United Airlines’ new Polaris business class seat product starting June 14, when the airline will upgauge from a Boeing 747-400 to a B777-300ER on its San Francisco-Tokyo Narita route.
United took delivery of its first B777-300ER in January this year, with its first international service taking off in March between San Francisco and Hong Kong. As with the Tokyo Narita service, the Hong Kong route was previously served by a B747-400 before the upgauge to the B777-300ER.
United currently aims to retire the “Queen of the Skies” from its fleet by October this year.
While the equipment change will see the introduction of the new Polaris business class seat, it will also mean the disappearance of first class seating on United’s non-stop San Francisco-Tokyo Narita service. United configures its B777-300ER in a three-tier format, offering 60 Polaris business (1-2-1), 102 Economy Plus (3-4-3) and 204 economy class seating (3-4-3).
The new Polaris business class seat has been described by United as its most significant product transformation in more than a decade. Polaris Business features fully flat beds all with direct aisle access. The pods also include mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, do-not-disturb signs, multiple storage areas and work spaces, electronic privacy dividers (for centre seats) and a 16-inch HD screen. In-flight wifi is also offered.
