The world's joint-largest operator of the Boeing 787-9 is United Airlines. Just like its fellow Star Alliance member All Nippon Airways, United Airlines also has 43 787-9s in its fleet.

Meanwhile, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a favorite airliner for foreign airlines, like Australia's Qantas and New Zealand's Air New Zealand, to operate long-haul flights to the United States.

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) introduced its new United Elevated interior for the Boeing 787-9, which it said sets a new benchmark for international premium travel among U.S. carriers.

On United's new Boeing 787-9s, expected to be delivered in Q4 2025, “United Elevated” will feature 99 total premium seats, roughly 45% of the cabin.

Boeing launched the 787 Dreamliner in 2009 and now assembles the plane in its North Charleston, S.C., factory. The 787 had never been in a crash before Thursday.