Travelore News: United Bringing New Luxury 787-9 To Zurich

For travelers flying between the tech-heavy Bay Area and the global financial hub of Switzerland, the long-haul experience is about to get a major upgrade. United Airlines has confirmed that its new "ultra-premium" Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the "United Elevated" interior, will begin daily service between San Francisco (SFO) and Zurich (ZRH) this fall.

Starting September 1, 2026, Zurich will become the third international destination to host this specialized aircraft, following successful launches to Singapore and London earlier this spring.

What Makes the "Elevated" Dreamliner Different?

Unlike the standard 787-9, which typically seats 257 passengers, this reconfigured luxury version holds just 222 seats. By removing 35 seats, United has created one of the most premium-heavy aircraft in the sky.

1. The Debut of Polaris Studio℠The star of the show is the United Polaris Studio, a new class of service located at the very front of the aircraft.The Suite Life: There are only eight of these exclusive suites, featuring sliding privacy doors and approximately 25% more space than standard Polaris seats.

Companion Seating: Six of the eight suites include an integrated ottoman with a seatbelt, allowing a companion to sit with you during the flight.

Tech Upgrades: Each suite boasts a massive 27-inch 4K OLED monitor—the largest of any U.S. carrier—along with wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity.

Exclusive Dining: Studio passengers will enjoy a tailored menu that includes an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche.

2. A Massive Premium Footprint

Beyond the Studio suites, the aircraft is designed for those who value comfort and productivity:

56 Polaris Business Class Seats: Redesigned suites with 19-inch 4K screens and direct aisle access.

35 Premium Plus Seats: For the first time, these seats include privacy dividers and built-in reading lights, along with wireless charging.

The Polaris Snack Bar: A dedicated walk-up area for premium passengers to grab snacks and refreshments throughout the flight.

Why Zurich?

The decision to bring the Elevated 787-9 to Zurich underscores Switzerland’s importance as a key hub for high-yield business travel. As a global center for banking and pharmaceuticals, Zurich consistently generates the demand for the high-density premium seating this aircraft offers.

By September, United expects to have every daily flight from San Francisco to London, Singapore, and Zurich outfitted with this new cabin concept.

How to Book Your Seat

If you’re looking to experience the new cabin, here’s how to spot it during the booking process:

Check the Seat Map: Look for the 222-seat configuration rather than the standard 257-seat layout.

The "Studio" Tag: When selecting your fare, look for the "Polaris Studio available" tag under the United Polaris options.

Flight Numbers: The SFO-ZRH service is typically operated as UA44 (Eastbound) and UA45 (Westbound).

With at least 30 of these reconfigured aircraft expected to be in the fleet by the end of 2027, United is making a clear statement: the future of long-haul travel isn't just about getting there—it’s about how much space you have while you do.

KLM's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner To Land In San Francisco May 4

Making its debut in the United States.

 Beginning May 4, 2016, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will operate its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).  This will be the KLM Dreamliner’s first flight out of the United States and will feature lower fuel consumption, a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, Wi-Fi for all passengers, and new World Business Class (WBC), Economy Comfort, and Economy class cabins designed by renowned Dutch Designer Hella Jongerius. KLM introduced its first Dreamliner on November 23, 2015 and the new aircraft currently flies to Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Rio de Janeiro, Osaka, Delhi, Hangzhou, Xiamen and Chengdu.

KLM will offer Dreamliner service twice weekly throughout the summer season in addition to its daily frequency, currently operated by a Boeing 747-400 from San Francisco-SFO to Amsterdam-AMS.

Flight schedule – twice weekly* (in local time)

KL610: Departs San Francisco-SFO at 4:45 p.m., arrives at Amsterdam-AMS at 12:15 p.m. the following day;

KL609: Departs Amsterdam Airport Schiphol-AMS at 12:40 p.m., arrives at San Francisco-SFO at 2:45 p.m.

*Wednesdays and Sundays

“San Francisco is the first gateway in North America to receive KLM’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as we continue to invest in supporting growing demand for our West Coast routes,” said Eric Caron, General Manager, Air France-KLM USA. “The addition of the Dreamliner also reflects our commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences through innovative design to deliver more comfort and connectivity onboard a faster, more fuel-efficient plane.”

A commitment to sustainability

Engines and other improvements enable the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to fly further, faster, cleaner, quieter and more efficient than comparable airplanes. Together with KLM’s efforts to reduce weight, to fly fuel-efficiently and to use sustainable biofuel, this airplane provides an important contribution to KLM’s sustainability goals, to include reducing the CO2 emissions of its fleet by at least 20 percent by 2020.

The Dreamliner is up to 20 percent more fuel efficient, because of the new engines, lightweight composite structure and aerodynamic efficiency. This means up to 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and 40 percent less noise emission. The sustainable considerations go further, however, with less waste and fewer hazardous materials used during manufacturing, and processes in place to ensure the airplane can be recycled at the end of its life cycle. Onboard, KLM has committed to sustainably sourcing for at least 50 percent of its products.

The aircraft is part of KLM’s program of fleet investment, which began with the introduction of the new World Business Class onboard the Boeing 747. This was followed by entirely new World Business Class and Economy Class interiors in the Boeing 777-200 and the phased introduction of new Boeing 777-300s. From December 2015, KLM will continue its fleet renewal with the deployment of the Embraer 175 and 190.

New flight mode

The interior design of the Boeing 787-9 maximizes comfort and privacy for passengers, while maintaining KLM’s aesthetic and brand values.

KLM’s Boeing 787-9 is fitted with onboard Wi-Fi, marking the launch of KLM Wi-Fi, which was tested in earlier trials. It will now be possible to use the internet, email and other online services onboard using laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

Larger windows, a higher cabin pressure and special LED-lighting further enhance the unique flight experience ensuring passengers arrive more rested at their destinations.

Luxurious personal space in World Business Class

KLM has chosen the newest full-flat World Business Class seat for its Boeing 787-9s. The position of the new seats in the cabin and various design decisions ensure passengers can enjoy as much privacy as possible during the flight, as every World Business Class seat in the Boeing 787-9 has direct aisle access.

Warmer colors – with different shades for every seat – and a large storage space ensure ultimate comfort and more personal room for passengers. Large, soft pillows and luxurious new blankets give the new World Business Class a warm and welcoming mood. Each seat is fitted with a 16-inch screen. There is also the option of a dual-screen experience, which allows passengers to game or chat using the handset while watching a film.

Economy Class

The seats in Economy Class offer passengers extra comfort. The seats recline 40 percent more than previous models, and all passengers have access to a power socket where they can recharge their mobile equipment. The inflight entertainment system has been renewed and expanded with a larger, 11-inch screen, intuitive HD-quality touchscreens, interactive 3D maps, and the option to communicate via Seat Chat with fellow passengers who are not seated nearby. The inflight entertainment system provides access to more than 150 films and 200 TV programs in 12 languages, including a large number of local films.

Catering by a new chef

For a full year, KLM will serve the creations of Michelin three-star Dutch chef, Jacob Jan Boerma, on World Business Class flights originating in Amsterdam. The meals in World Business class are served on tableware designed by famous Dutch designer, Marcel Wanders. Economy Class passengers also have a variety of à la carte meal choices that can be ordered in advance.

For more information on KLM 787-9 Dreamliner, visit https://787dreamliner.klm.com/en_gb/home.

About KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.

In the Netherlands, KLM comprises the core of the KLM Group, which further includes KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 32,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of enthusiasm and sustainable innovation.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 250 daily flights.

KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects the Netherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy.

Etihad Airways to fly Boeing 787 to Washington, DC.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will deploy a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on its daily Washington, DC service from March 11, 2015, marking the US debut of its next generation First, Business and Economy class products.

The airline's acclaimed interiors for the Boeing 787-9 include eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 Economy Smart Seats, offering superior levels of comfort, entertainment and in-flight connectivity. Onboard décor and lighting have been inspired by contemporary Arabian design, complementing Etihad Airways' new 'Facets of Abu Dhabi' livery design.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "As the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class, the Boeing 787 will reduce the operating costs and carbon emissions on our Washington, D.C. route and provide maximum efficiency and reliability. Importantly, we have customized the aircraft with the world's most innovative and sophisticated First, Business and Economy class cabins, providing our guests with superior levels of comfort and attention to detail not previously enjoyed by the modern air traveler."

Etihad Airways commenced its daily non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Washington, D.C. in March 2013, creating the first direct air link between the two capitals. The service has attracted strong demand from government and business travellers, and has also supported the continued growth of leisure travel between and beyond the two cities.

Guests travelling to Washington, D.C. experience the unique benefit of arriving having pre-cleared US Customs and Border Protection at Abu Dhabi Airport. The process allows passengers to pass through all required checks including US customs, immigration and security before they board their flight to the US, enabling them to avoid queues on arrival.

Another key benefit of US preclearance is that baggage security screening meets United States TSA security standards, allowing air travellers who connect onto a domestic flight in the US to have their baggage checked through from Abu Dhabi to their final destination.
Guests travelling from Washington, D.C. have the convenience of an attractively timed evening departure, allowing them to travel after completion of their business day.

Etihad Airways' premium guests are also provided with access to the airline's lounge at Dulles International Airport. The split-level facility offers soothing relaxation spaces, elegant fine dining areas, state-of-the-art business amenities, family entertainment areas, and luxurious bathrooms with invigorating shower facilities. With a prime location next to Etihad Airways' departure gate in Terminal A, it also provides unfettered and convenient direct access to the aircraft without having to go through a traditional departure gate.

Washington, D.C. is one of six destinations served by Etihad Airways in the United States, alongside San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago and New York.

Mr Hogan said: "Etihad Airways operates 45 flights a week to and from the US and connects the country with our extensive global network, including 34 destinations in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. We continue to experience strong demand for travel between the US and India, where we serve 11 cities in our own right and 15 in combination with our partner Jet Airways, providing unparalleled reach into the country. In addition, our guests benefit from some of the fastest journey times in the industry from Washington D.C. to popular destinations such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai."

Etihad Airways' order for two variants of the B787 (-9 and -10), is one of the largest for the type, totalling 71 aircraft. The lightweight composite materials used in the aircraft mean that the B787 uses up to 30 per cent less fuel than other aircraft in its category and therefore produces a comparable reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. New technologies are also used to ensure its noise footprint is more than 60% smaller than other aircraft of its size.
Etihad Airways schedule for Washington D.C. flights, effective March 15, 2015:

Flight No. Origin Departs Destination Arrives Frequency Aircraft
EY 131 Abu Dhabi (AUH) 11:30 a.m. Washington D.C. (IAD) 6:45 p.m. Daily B787
EY 130 Washington D.C. (IAD) 10:50 p.m. Abu Dhabi (AUH) 7:45 p.m.+1 Daily B787
Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.