United Airlines holds hundreds of unused business class seats

United Airlines is currently holding hundreds of premium lie-flat business class seats in storage that cannot be installed on its existing fleet. The seats were originally ordered for the Boeing 737 MAX 10, a variant that has faced significant certification delays. While the aircraft was initially expected to enter service around 2020, United now anticipates its first delivery in 2027.

Due to these delays, United adjusted its fleet strategy by opting for the Airbus A321neo to handle premium transcontinental routes. These aircraft will feature a dedicated “Coastliner” configuration. However, because the stored business class seats were specifically designed for the Boeing 737 MAX 10, they are incompatible with the Airbus fleet. United CEO Scott Kirby has acknowledged the inventory of unused seats, though the airline has not yet announced whether they will be sold, eventually installed on the delayed Boeing aircraft, or used for another purpose.