Singapore Airlines is set to redefine the premium travel experience with a significant investment of S$1.1 billion in a multi-year programme to retrofit 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) aircraft. This ambitious project aims to install all-new long-haul cabin products, enhancing comfort and luxury across SIA’s network.

Introducing Luxurious First-Class Cabins

SIA will introduce a luxurious First-Class cabin in its seven A350-900ULR aircraft in a groundbreaking move. These plush first-class seats are designed to cater to the needs of increasingly discerning travellers, promising an unparalleled in-flight experience on the world’s longest routes. This new edition sets a new industry benchmark for luxury travel.

Enhanced Business Class Experience

Business Class customers can look forward to an elevated travel experience with SIA’s upcoming Business Class seats. These innovative designs will offer greater levels of privacy, comfort, and convenience across all 41 aircraft. The A350-900 First Class and Business Class products are designed from the ground up, featuring spacious layouts and ergonomic elements that cater to every customer’s needs. SIA’s upcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft will also feature these designs.

Upgraded Premium Economy and Economy Class

The retrofit programme will also refresh the Premium Economy Class and Economy Class cabins, enhancing the travel experience for all customers. Complementing these cabin upgrades, the next version of SIA’s KrisWorld in-flight entertainment (IFE) system will offer greater personalisation and an extensive range of lifestyle options across all cabin classes. First Class and Business Class seats will feature new in-flight entertainment screens, ensuring a top-notch entertainment experience.

Commitment to Excellence

Mr. Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, highlighted the airline’s dedication to customer satisfaction: “Over the past six years, we have extensively engaged customers and stakeholders in the design of our next-generation long-haul cabin products, anticipating their evolving preferences and expectations down to the finest detail. The new First Class and Business Class seat designs will incorporate thoughtful elements that push the boundaries of comfort, luxury, and modernity, allowing our customers to relax or work effortlessly on board. Premium Economy Class and Economy Class customers can also look forward to refreshed cabin interiors that enhance their travel experience.”

Timeline and Configuration

The aircraft will be retrofitted by SIA Engineering Company in Singapore. The first retrofitted A350-900 long-haul aircraft is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2026, with the first A350-900ULR variant following in the first quarter of 2027. The entire programme is targeted for completion by the end of 2030.

Post-retrofit, the 34 A350-900 long-haul aircraft will be configured with 42 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy Class seats, and 192 Economy Class seats. The seven A350-900ULR variants will feature four First Class seats, 70 Business Class seats, and 58 Premium Economy Class seats.

Looking Ahead

Full details on the entire range of SIA’s forthcoming long-haul First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class cabin products, as well as the latest version of the KrisWorld IFE system, will be revealed closer to the entry into service of SIA’s first Boeing 777-9 and retrofitted A350-900 aircraft.

This S$1.1 billion investment reaffirms Singapore Airlines’ unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience. The introduction of these next-generation seats and the KrisWorld system, combined with the world-renowned warm and attentive service of SIA’s cabin crew, will set new standards in innovation, customer experience, and service excellence.

Stay tuned for more updates as Singapore Airlines continues to elevate the premium travel experience.