Singapore Airlines has officially teased its upcoming First and Business Class seats, set to redefine luxury travel on its Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) aircraft. The airline is investing a substantial S$1.1 billion in a multi-year cabin retrofit programme across 41 A350 aircraft, aiming to elevate the premium travel experience throughout its network.
Originally, these new seats were planned for the brand-new Boeing 777-9 aircraft, which have been delayed until at least 2026. During my visit to the Boeing factory, one of these aircraft was (apparently) being fitted out, highlighting Singapore Airlines’ role as a launch partner for the Boeing 777-9. Due to the delays, the airline has shifted focus to retrofitting its existing A350 fleet.
In a significant development, Singapore Airlines will introduce a luxurious First Class cabin on its seven A350-900ULR aircraft, setting new industry benchmarks for comfort on the world’s longest routes, including the direct Singapore to New York flight. These jets were originally configured with Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, but will now feature First Class cabins as well—a nice update for premium travellers as well as those with a stash of KrisFlyer miles ready for redemption!
The teaser images released by the airline don’t reveal much detail, but it’s evident that the seat configuration will be staggered between window and aisle seats. Both Business and First Class seats will feature doors, offering passengers enhanced privacy. These seats are designed from the ground up with spacious layouts and ergonomic features, catering to every customer’s needs. They are the same designs that will be featured on Singapore Airlines’ upcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
Business Class customers can look forward to innovative designs that provide greater levels of privacy, comfort, and convenience across all 41 aircraft. While specific details about the new Premium Economy and Economy seats haven’t been disclosed yet, these cabins will also be refreshed to enhance the overall travel experience.
Complementing the new cabin products, the next version of Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system will offer greater personalisation and an extensive range of lifestyle options across all cabin classes. First and Business Class seats will also feature new in-flight entertainment screens.
Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, stated: “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.
“The S$1.1 billion investment in retrofitting our 41 A350 aircraft reaffirms Singapore Airlines’ unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience. The introduction of these next-generation seats and KrisWorld system, together with the world-renowned warm and attentive service of our cabin crew, will set new standards in innovation, customer experience, and service excellence.”
The retrofit work will be carried out 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 A350-900ULR variant following in the first quarter of 2027. The entire retrofit 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 seats, and 192 Economy seats. The seven A350-900ULR variants will feature four First Class seats, 70 Business Class seats, and 58 Premium Economy seats.
If you’re hoping to experience these upgrades soon, patience will be required. The first A350-900 with the new seats isn’t expected to take flight until 2026, with the A350-900ULR following in 2027. The complete retrofit of the 41-strong A350 fleet is anticipated to be finished by 2030.
Full details on the new range of cabin products, including the latest version of the KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system, will be revealed closer to the entry into service of Singapore Airlines’ first Boeing 777-9 and retrofitted A350-900 aircraft.
