United Airlines 787-8
Overview
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is the smallest member of United's Dreamliner family — 12 aircraft seating 243. These were among United's earliest 787s, and like every United Dreamliner they are powered by GE GEnx-1B engines (United has never operated the Rolls-Royce option). United is Boeing's largest 787 customer, and its December 2022 order for 100 more Dreamliners is steering new deliveries toward the larger 787-9 and 787-10, leaving the compact 787-8 to serve lower-demand long-haul routes.
Seat Configuration
All 12 seat 243 passengers across four cabins. Economy Plus is a section within Economy — extra legroom in the same cabin, not a separate class.
| Cabin | Seats | Layout |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris Business | 28 | 1-2-1 |
| Premium Plus | 21 | 2-3-2 |
| Economy Plus | 36 | 3-3-3 |
| Economy | 158 | 3-3-3 |
WiFi & In-Flight Entertainment
All 12 have Ku-band satellite WiFi, seat-back AVOD plus personal-device entertainment, and 110V AC power. United is bringing free Starlink WiFi to its entire widebody fleet by summer 2027 — a rollout that began with a Boeing 777 in June 2026 — so the 787-8 is in line for a retrofit. Starlink is free for MileagePlus members.
Routes & Hubs
The 787-8 typically flies lower-demand and leisure long-haul, especially transatlantic service to Europe from Chicago (ORD) and Washington (IAD), where its smaller cabin fits the market better than a 787-9 or 787-10.
Related Dreamliners
787-9 (48) is the core variant and the only one with Polaris Studio. 787-10 (21) is the stretched, highest-capacity variant.
Specifications
Key technical specifications for the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner as operated by United Airlines.
| Manufacturer | The Boeing Company |
| Model | 787-8 Dreamliner |
| Body type | Wide-body |
| Engines | 2x GEnx-1B |
| Range | 7,305 nmi (13,530 km) |
| Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 |
| Wingspan | 60.1 m (197 ft) |
| Length | 56.7 m (186 ft) |
Aircraft Registry — All 12 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Complete list of every United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration, delivery year, seat configuration, WiFi, IFE, and current status. Data updated daily from public aviation records.
| Reg | AC# | Config | WiFi | IFE | Power | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N20904 | 3904 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2012 | Active |
| N26902 | 3902 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2012 | Active |
| N26906 | 3906 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2012 | SIN Maint 2/2/26 |
| N26909 | 3909 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2014 | Active |
| N26910 | 3910 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2014 | Active |
| N27901 | 3901 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2012 | Active |
| N27903 | 3903 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2012 | Active |
| N27908 | 3908 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2013 | Active |
| N28912 | 3912 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2014 | Active |
| N29907 | 3907 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2013 | Active |
| N30913 | 3913 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2014 | Active |
| N45905 | 3905 | 28J/21PE/36E+/158Y | Satl Ku | AVOD/PDE | 110 V | 2012 | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners does United Airlines have?
12 aircraft, delivered 2012–2014. It is the smallest of United's three Dreamliner variants.
What engines does United's 787-8 use?
GE GEnx-1B — the same engine family as every United 787. United has never operated the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 option that Boeing also offers on the 787.
What is the seat configuration on United's 787-8?
243 passengers: 28 Polaris (1-2-1), 21 Premium Plus, 36 Economy Plus, and 158 Economy. Economy Plus is a section within Economy, not a separate cabin.
What is the difference between the 787-8 and 787-9?
The 787-8 is shorter (56.7 m vs 62.8 m) and seats 243 vs 257, with 28 Polaris seats vs 48. Both have similar long-haul range, but only the 787-9 offers Polaris Studio.
What routes does United fly the 787-8 on?
Lower-demand and leisure long-haul, especially transatlantic service to Europe from Chicago (ORD) and Washington (IAD), where a smaller widebody fits the market.
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