United Airlines adds Boeing 787 to Washington-Barcelona flights

United Airlines will use the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on its Washington D.C. to Barcelona route this summer for the first time. This move aims to increase capacity on the popular flight. Between May and October 2025, the airline plans to operate its Boeing 787-9 and 787-8 models. The 787-9 can carry 257 passengers, while the 787-8 can seat 243. Both aircraft offer a four-class layout, which includes business class, premium economy, and economy sections. Currently, United Airlines uses Boeing 767s on this route during the low season, which hold only 203 passengers. The 787 fleet is newer and more comfortable than the older 767 fleet. United will operate 156 flights using the Boeing 787s across the summer months. The schedule includes various flight combinations, with only the Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying between June and September. Starting in October, the airline will bring back the Boeing 767 to reduce capacity. Notably, United is the only airline offering nonstop flights between Washington D.C. and Barcelona. Additionally, the flight’s departure time from Washington will be adjusted to 6:30 PM. This update follows the airline's recent announcement of lower profitability expectations for the first quarter of 2025.