Singapore Airlines is planning a major cabin facelift for its fleet of long-haul Airbus A350 jets, including a new first-class cabin that will be offered on the world’s longest airline routes.
On Monday, Singapore announced a $1.1 billion cabin retrofit program for its A350-900 fleet – covering both its long-haul and ultra-long-haul aircraft.
The work includes fresh coaches and premium economy cabins, all-new business class concepts and — on its furthest-flying jets — new first-class offerings. Together, the work will set “new industry benchmarks for travel on the world’s longest routes,” the carrier said in a statement on Monday.
It will also step up the game for an airline that has long offered an inflight product that ranks among the best in the world.
Singapore’s A350-900 retrofit plans
As part of the changes, Singapore plans to equip its seven ultra-long-haul A350-900s with new first-class cabins, “designed with the increasingly discerning traveler in mind.” It is an obvious step to take into account the strong demand for premium travel experiences reported across the industry.
The carrier released “sneak peek” renderings on Monday that show the sizeable footprint for the new seat concept — the private suite concept airlines are increasingly deploying for their highest seats.
But we’ll have to wait until closer to the product launch to really get a look at the bells and whistles of the airline’s new first class.
Singapore operates the A350-900ULR on its longest routes, including Singapore to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) includes the longest flights in the world. That means you’ll see new first-class concepts and upgraded cabins on those flights in the coming years.
Adding a first-class cabin is not entirely novel for Singapore. Today, you can book “F” tickets on flights on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Daily newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the latest news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
Read more: Redeem your points and miles: How to find flight award availability for major airlines
Business class refresh
Meanwhile, as part of the retrofits, Singapore will also unveil a new business-class product on its long-haul and ultra-long-haul A350s. A limited glimpse of the carrier’s offering of the new seats shows a sliding privacy door as part of the Suite concept.
Singapore notes that these products will reflect its future design on its upcoming Boeing 777-9 jet – although Boeing’s new 777X family of aircraft is facing lengthy production delays.
“The new First Class and Business Class seat designs will incorporate thoughtful elements that push the boundaries of comfort, luxury and sophistication, allowing our customers to relax or work effortlessly on board,” Singapore CEO Goh Chun Fong said in a statement on Monday. gives.”
Read more: How does Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer waitlist work for award flights?
Premium economy and coach
It’s not just high-end cabins getting upgrades as part of Singapore’s billion-dollar program.
The carrier also plans to “refresh” its Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Across the aircraft, customers will have access to an updated CrisWorld inflight entertainment system with more personalization options, the carrier said — and, it will offer all-new screens in the first- and business-class sections.
The retrofitted A350-900 long-haul jet will have 42 business class seats and 24 premium economy, equivalent to today’s cabin configuration.
However, the ultra-long-haul aircraft has four first-class suites, 70 business-class seats and 58 seats in premium economy. Today’s ULR jets have 67 business pods and 94 premium economy seats.
Read more: Singapore KrisFlyer: The Ultimate Guide to Earning, Redeeming and Elite Status
The bottom line
Don’t expect to see these new seats right away.
Singapore expects its first long-haul A350 to enter service in mid-2026. The first ultra-long-haul A350 with the upgraded cabin should enter service in early 2027, the carrier said. The airline hopes to complete the entire retrofit program by the end of 2030.
Singapore currently operates nonstop flights from its hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to four US airports: JFK, Newark, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
You can also catch Singapore’s fifth-freedom flight from JFK to Frankfurt; LAX to Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT); and – Through April – Houston to Manchester, England. The latter service ends on April 1, when Singapore exits the Houston market entirely.
Related Reading: