Singapore Airlines (SIA) is embarking on a S$1.1 billion, multi-year initiative to outfit its fleet of 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) aircraft with newly designed cabin products, aiming to elevate the premium travel experience across its global network.
A standout feature of this upgrade is the introduction of a new First Class cabin on seven A350-900ULR aircraft, enhancing luxury standards on some of the world’s longest routes. These new First Class seats are tailored for today’s sophisticated travelers, promising a superior level of in-flight comfort and exclusivity.
Business Class passengers will also see significant enhancements with new Business Class seats across all 41 A350 aircraft, featuring design innovations that increase privacy, comfort, and convenience.
Each cabin on the A350-900, including First and Business Class, has been redesigned from the ground up with spacious layouts and ergonomic features to meet every traveler’s needs. This fresh design will also be rolled out on SIA’s future Boeing 777-9 fleet.
The Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins will undergo improvements as well, delivering an upgraded experience for all passengers. Additionally, SIA is introducing a new version of its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, offering a more personalized experience and extensive lifestyle options in all cabin classes. Both First and Business Class seats will also feature upgraded entertainment screens.
SIA’s CEO, Mr. Goh Choon Phong, highlighted the extensive collaboration with customers and stakeholders over the past six years to develop the next generation of cabin products, anticipating evolving preferences and setting new benchmarks for luxury and comfort. “The investment in our 41 A350 aircraft underlines our dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience,” Mr. Goh remarked, emphasizing that the new seats and enhanced KrisWorld system will raise standards for innovation, customer satisfaction, and service excellence.
The retrofit work will be undertaken by SIA Engineering Company in Singapore, with the first updated A350-900 long-haul aircraft expected to begin service by the second quarter of 2026, followed by the A350-900ULR in early 2027. SIA aims to complete the entire retrofit program by the end of 2030.
Following the upgrades, the 34 A350-900 long-haul aircraft will include 42 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 192 Economy seats. Meanwhile, the seven A350-900ULR aircraft will feature four exclusive First Class seats, 70 Business Class seats, and 58 Premium Economy seats.