United Airlines is fighting back against competition with a stunning new service
United Airlines said on Thursday that it will undergo a major overhaul of its international business and first class offerings. At the heart of the this undertaking is the airline's new Polaris Business Class.
According to the airline, Polaris signals a fundamental shift and rebranding of the airline's international premium cabin products.
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"This completely reconceived experience exemplifies the new spirit of United and the innovation, excitement and operational momentum across our airline," United Airlines president and CEO Oscar Munoz said in a statement.
That experience begins with the airline's new Polaris lounge at airports around the world and continues with brand new seats, menus, as well as amenities on board the flights.
With rivals from the Middle East and the Pacific Rim setting the new benchmark for in-flight service and luxury, US airlines have been forced to step up its game significantly to compete for lucrative business and first class passengers. In recent years, Delta and American have both implemented significant upgrades to its premium cabin offerings. Now, United is jumping into the fray.
According to a United Airlines representative, the first Polaris Lounge opens in Chicago on December 1. Flights featuring the Polaris Business Class product will commence in early 2017 on board the United's new Boeing 777-300ER jets.
Here's a closer look at United Airlines' new Polaris Business Class, courtesy of the airline.
The experience begins at the Polaris Lounge. In some locations, these lounges will exist separately from the airline's current United Club lounges. However, in some instances, the Polaris Lounge will be a reserved section of a United Club location.
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According to United, gourmet food and beverages will be served in a "boutique restaurant setting."
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Mussels anyone?
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The menu is developed by Chef Art Smith while cocktails are by mixologist Adam Seger.
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There are day beds to grab a quick nap as well as showers to freshen up between flights.
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United expects to open its first Polaris lounge on December 1 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport with other locations in Newark, LA, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Houston, Hong Kong, Tokyo Narita, and London Heathrow to follow.
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On board, Polaris will replace United's current...
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... International Business First offering.
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While, planes currently equipped with the airline's Global First Class will be rebranded United Polaris Global First.
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Each seat is separated into suite-like segments — allowing every one to access to the aisle.
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For entertainment, each seat is equipped with a 16-inch HD screen.
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In addition, the Polaris Business suites come with amenity kits from SoHo House as well as plenty of storage.
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At night, the seat can be converted into a 180-degree lie-flat bed.
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The suites all feature six-feet, six inches of bed space.
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Each suite is even equipped with mood lighting and a "Do Not Disturb" sign.
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Bedding comes courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.
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There's also a set of United Airlines headphones waiting at each suite.
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On day flights lasting longer than eight hours and on all flights lasting longer than 12, Polaris passenger have access to on-demand hot snacks. According to the airline, its lobster mac-and-cheese is noteworthy.
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Of course, there's plenty of Champagne to be served.
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In addition to the Boeing 777-300ER, Polaris will also be fitted to the airline's incoming 787-10s and...
Boeing
...Airbus A350-1000 jets.
Airbus
Finally, the airline will also begin to retrofit its existing fleet of Boeing 777-200 and 767-300 jets with Polaris Business Class as well in 2017.
United Airlines
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