One of United Airlines newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners had to turn around after departing Singapore this week, after the crew detected an electrical smell onboard. This was the aircraft’s second long-haul flight since being introduced on the route with its latest elevated onboard interior on April 22.

The aircraft, which was delivered to United Airlines in February, had previously been operating transcontinental services, and its trip to Singapore was its first international journey with paying passengers. At the time of writing, the plane remains on the apron in Singapore as per data from Flightradar24.

Bad Luck: Diverted To Singapore On Its First International Round Trip

Credit: Channing Reid | Simple Flying

The flight, operating as UA2, had departed from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) on Friday, April 24, destined for San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The plane had departed from the city state at 9:33 am local time, around 33 minutes behind its scheduled departure of 9:00 am. The flight took off in a northerly direction before passing over the southern tip of Malaysia.

Looking at the flight data, the 787 got to an altitude of around 30,000 feet and was approximately 30 minutes into the trans-Pacific flight to San Francisco when the crew decided, out of an abundance of caution, to return to Singapore after an electrical smell was detected onboard. This resulted in the plane being put into a brief holding pattern before eventually touching down approximately one hour and 50 minutes after departure.

The airline has confirmed to Aviation Herald that the flight experienced a maintenance issue, and as a result, the plane returned to Singapore, and the plane remains on the apron while maintenance crew works on the issue.

Returning To Singapore After An Electrical Smell

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Both passengers and crew have reported that the electrical smell was coming through the air vents, which alerted the captain to return to Singapore. Initially, it was planned that the plane could be inspected quickly and therefore, operate part of the flight without the crew timing out. Aviation Herald suggests that considerations were made for the flight to operate with an immediate stop in Honolulu, but this never came to fruition, and the flight was ultimately cancelled, stranding passengers in Singapore.

The plane, which bears registration N61101, is one of the latest 787-9s delivered to the Star Alliance carrier, which features its latest onboard interior. The plane, which was delivered to United on February 27 this year, is just a couple of months old, and its inaugural international flight has unfortunately ended in tears. Aircraft data below as per ch-aviation:

While Singapore was the first international route to debut the new aircraft interior, it is also set to be launched on services to London. The airline expects 30 additional aircraft with the same interior to join the fleet by 2027.

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United Airlines To Debut 1st Premium-Heavy Boeing 787-9 From San Francisco Next Month

United Airlines unveils its most premium international aircraft, featuring a nose-to-tail layout of 99 premium seats.

Improved Swanky Onboard United Interior

Credit: Channing Reid | Simple Flying

This aircraft boasts United Airlines freshly delivered onboard interior, which includes the United Polaris Studio suites, which are more than 25% larger than the standard United Polaris product. These suites include privacy doors, an ottoman for companions, and luxury skincare amenities. The 27-inch seat back entertainment screen allows passengers to sit back and relax while enjoying exclusive caviar and wine pairing at 30,000 feet.

United welcomes the first of the 30 new aircraft that will feature this nose-to-tail transformation, and will boast the highest number of premium seats in the airline’s fleet. The delivery of the aircraft was set for the end of 2025, but it was officially delivered in February. Further down the cabin, the United Premium Plus cabin has been updated with privacy dividers and wireless charging capabilities, while those in economy will enjoy the largest economy seatback screens currently in the market.

For United, the aircraft’s first trip to Singapore has had an unfortunate hiccup, and at the time of writing, the plane remains on the apron in Singapore, awaiting clearance to return to San Francisco.