One of United’s new, redesigned Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners has been sent back to Boeing for unspecified “service.”
The jet, registered as N61101, was delivered to United in late February and entered revenue service several weeks later, flying long-haul routes to London and Singapore. It features an “Elevated” interior, with 99 premium seats and a new, amenity-rich business class offering, Polaris Studio.
ADS-B data shows N61101 flew Saturday from San Francisco to Moses Lake, Washington, where Boeing has a testing and maintenance facility.
“This airplane is currently with Boeing for service,” United said in a statement to AirlineGeeks.
The carrier did not elaborate or say why the Dreamliner was sent back to the manufacturer.
Aviation insider JonNYC flagged a potential issue with N61101 on June 20, writing on X that its problem is apparently “not minor” but could probably be resolved quickly by Boeing in Washington.
United’s first Elevated 787s entered domestic service in March and April and are now operating long-haul international routes. The aircraft have eight Polaris Studio suites, 56 Polaris seats, 35 Premium Plus seats, 39 Economy Plus seats, and 84 Economy seats.
No problems have been reported with the other Elevated 787s delivered so far.
United plans to have at least 30 787-9s with Elevated interiors flying by the end of 2027.
