Singapore Airlines is planning a facelift of the Airbus A350 cabin, a new first class cabin

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 one day 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-range and ultra-long-range aircraft.

The work includes updated coach and premium economy cabins, all-new business class concepts and – on the farthest-flying jets – new first-class offerings. Together, the work will “set new industry benchmarks for travel on the world’s longest routes,” the airline said in a statement on Monday.

It will also be important for an airline that has long offered an inflight product that is 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 a new first-class cabin, “designed with increasingly demanding travelers in mind.” It is a clear step to capitalize on the strong demand for premium travel experiences reported across the industry.

The airline released ‘sneak peak’ renderings on Monday showing a significant footprint for the new seating concept – it’s clearly Singapore’s take on the private suite concept that airlines are increasingly turning to for their high-end seats.

But we’ll have to wait until closer to product launch to really get a feel for the bells and whistles of the airline’s new first class.

Singapore operates its A350-900ULR on the longest routes, including the current longest flights in the world from Singapore to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). That means you’ll see the new first class concept and improved cabin on these flights in the coming years.

Adding a first class cabin is not entirely new to Singapore. Today you can book an “F” ticket for flights on board the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

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Renewal of the business class

Meanwhile, as part of the retrofits, Singapore will also unveil an all-new business class product on its long-haul and ultra-long-haul A350s. The carrier’s limited view of the new seats showed sliding doors for privacy as part of the suite concept.

Singapore notes that these products will reflect the future design of the upcoming Boeing 777-9 jets it has on order – although Boeing’s new 777X family aircraft continues to face lengthy production delays.

“The new First Class and Business Class seat designs will feature thoughtful elements that push the boundaries of comfort, luxury and modernity, allowing our customers to relax on board or work effortlessly,” Singapore CEO Goh Choon Phong said in a statement on Monday. a statement.

Premium economy and coach

It’s not just the luxury cabins that are getting an upgrade as part of Singapore’s multibillion-dollar program.

The carrier also plans to “refresh” its premium economy and economy cabins.

Throughout the aircraft, customers will have access to an updated KrisWorld inflight entertainment system with greater personalization options, the airline said – and it will offer all-new screens in the first- and business-class sections.

JOAN VALLS/URBANANDSPORTS/NURPHOTO VIA GETYTY IMAGES

The updated A350-900 long-haul jets will eventually feature 42 Business Class seats and 24 Premium Economy seats, similar to current cabin configurations.

However, the ultra-long-haul aircraft will have four first-class suites, 70 business class seats and 58 premium economy seats. The current ULR jets have 67 business pods and 94 premium economy seats.

In short

Don’t expect to see these new chairs right away.

Singapore expects its first long-range A350 to enter service in mid-2026. The first ultra-long-haul A350 with the upgraded cabin should enter service in early 2027, the airline said. The airline hopes to complete the full retrofit program by the end of 2030.

Singapore currently operates nonstop flights to the US 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 take a Singapore Fifth Freedom flight from JFK to Frankfurt; from LAX to Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT); And – until April – from Houston to Manchester, England. The latter service ends on April 1 Singapore is leaving the Houston market absolutely.

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