United's 767 With the New Polaris Business Seats Launches From Newark Friday

While United's new 777-300ER has received the majority of the Polaris fanfare, the 767-300ER retrofit is an even bigger deal in my book. The reason? United only operates a total of 14 of the larger 777s, and they're assigned to the carrier's longest international routes. There are 34 767-300s, though, currently assigned to flights from Chicago and the East Coast to Europe, as well as United's nonstops from Newark and Washington, DC to Honolulu.

These smaller 767s are currently undergoing a massive refurbishment, with the first-class cabin and all business-class seats being removed and 30 Polaris business seats being put in instead, in a 1-1-1 configuration where every seat has aisle access. Based on the images in our first look, United's retrofitted planes will be one of the most private options for transatlantic travel, though due to the all-single-seat configuration, they're arguably not the best fit for couples.

We got an exclusive look at a selection of interior renderings earlier this summer, but Friday evening is the first time customers will actually be onboard, when the first retrofitted plane, N644UA, operates the inaugural Polaris 767 flight from Newark to London. Flight 110 is the lucky winner — unfortunately there aren't any business seats left for sale, but you could always book an economy seat, apply for an upgrade and hope for the best.

I've been tracking this aircraft throughout the retrofit process, so I booked one of the last Polaris seats as soon as the flight was confirmed. If you happen to be on the flight, swing by seat 9L to say hello! Otherwise, stay tuned for our 767 Polaris content, including an aircraft tour later Friday and a full review to follow Saturday morning.

Will you be joining me on United's 767 Polaris inaugural?