Why Some Boeing 787-9s Offer First Class While Others Stop At Business

A key reason some Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners offer first class while others don’t isn’t the airplane—it’s the configuration chosen by each airline. More than 50 carriers operate the type, and most stop at business class. The 787-9 wasn’t designed around first class, and nothing in the airframe prevents a premium cabin; it comes down to layout decisions. British Airways fits eight first-class seats in a 1-2-1 herringbone across two rows, while Etihad sells first class only on certain 787-9 configurations. Data cited from Head for Points shows United is the biggest buyer of premium seating, with 99 premium seats.