Singapore Airlines is preparing to undertake a major refurbishment of its cabins. The airline has invited a select group of its most loyal members, the Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club, to an exclusive event on November 7 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
The project dates back to November 2024, when Singapore Airlines announced a massive investment of S$1.1 billion to completely redesign the cabins of 41 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, including First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The initial schedule anticipated the introduction of the new business class in the second quarter of 2026, followed by first class in early 2027.
However, as is often the case in the aviation industry, persistent supply chain disruptions and certification difficulties affecting one of the new seats forced the airline to revise its schedule downward several times throughout the year.
A photo of the current business class cabin on Singapore Airlines’ A350-900s
Which aircraft will feature these new cabins?
The refurbishment program covers a total of 41 aircraft from the Airbus A350-900 family, divided into two separate fleets:
34 Airbus A350-900 Long Haul aircraft: these aircraft, which serve destinations including London, Los Angeles, Brussels, and Melbourne, will receive the new business class as well as refreshed premium economy and economy cabins. No first class cabins will be installed on these aircraft.
Seven Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft: reserved for the world’s longest flights, such as Singapore-New York and Singapore-Los Angeles, these long-haul planes will feature both the new First Class and the new Business Class.
In the longer term, these same cabin products are also expected to equip the future fleet of Boeing 777-9s, whose delivery to Singapore Airlines has also been significantly delayed and is now not expected before 2027, or even 2028.
What will the new seats look like?
While Singapore Airlines remains tight-lipped about the technical details, several elements have leaked, notably through a patent filing spotted by industry observers.
First Class Seats
The new suite, described by Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong as a significant leap forward compared to the current product, will reportedly consist of fully enclosed compartments with curved walls to maximize interior space. The patent describes suites with separate seats and beds, a system of integrated window blinds inspired by business jets, and the possibility of combining two central suites into a double space for couples, with a retractable partition and a bench seat for shared meals.
Business Class Seats
The new product is designed to offer greater privacy thanks to a closed-door configuration, redesigned storage space, a larger entertainment screen, and improved reading lighting. However, the visuals shared by the airline so far remain limited.
The entire package will also include a new, next-generation KrisWorld entertainment system, a revamped dining experience, and new textiles and onboard comfort features.
|
Element |
A350-900 Long Haul (current) | A350-900 Long Haul (post-refurbishment) | A350-900ULR (current) | A350-900ULR (post-refurbishment) |
| First class | None | None | None |
4 seats (closed suites) |
|
Business Class |
42 seats, 1-2-1 configuration, seats that recline to a flat bed | 42 seats, new suites with enclosed doors | 67 seats, 1-2-1 configuration, same product as Lufthansa |
70 seats, new suites with enclosed doors |
|
Premium Economy |
24 seats | 24 seats | 94 seats | 58 seats |
| Economy | 187 seats | 192 seats | None (no economy cabin on the ULR) |
None |