Singapore Airlines (SIA) is making a significant investment of S$1.1 billion in a multi-year program to elevate its A350 fleet long-haul travel experience.
The initiative will see 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) aircraft receive a complete cabin product overhaul. The major refit program will seek to address the growing industry demand for premium air travel.
A350 Cabin Retrofit Program
A key highlight of this transformation is the introduction of a luxurious First Class cabin on seven A350-900ULR aircraft.
Designed to cater to the most discerning travelers, these new First Class seats will redefine the concept of in-flight luxury. With spacious layouts, ergonomic design, and cutting-edge technology, these seats promise to offer an unparalleled level of comfort and privacy.
Business Class passengers will also experience a significant upgrade. SIA’s new Business Class seats will feature innovative designs that prioritize privacy, comfort, and convenience. These seats will be available on all 41 aircraft, ensuring that business travelers can work and relax in style.
SIA’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience extends to its Premium Economy Class and Economy Class cabins. Both cabin classes will undergo a refresh, with a focus on improving comfort, amenities, and overall passenger well-being.
IFE System
To complement the new cabin products, SIA will introduce the next generation of its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. This advanced system will offer a personalized and immersive entertainment experience, with a vast selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games.
First Class and Business Class passengers will also benefit from larger in-flight entertainment screens, providing a more engaging viewing experience.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong explained the airline’s engagement with customers in the process. “Over the past six years, we have extensively engaged with our customers and stakeholders to understand their evolving preferences and expectations.”
“Our new First Class and Business Class seat designs are a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of comfort, luxury, and modernity. We are confident that our customers will be delighted with the elevated travel experience we are offering.”
Singapore Airlines Retrofit Timeline
SIA Engineering Company will undertake the aircraft retrofitting process in Singapore. The airline sees the first retrofitted A350-900 long-haul aircraft enter service in the second quarter of 2026. Then, the first A350-900ULR variant will follow in the first quarter of 2027.SIA has scheduled the entire program for completion by the end of 2030.
Upon completion of the retrofit, the 34 A350-900 long-haul aircraft will feature 42 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy Class seats, and 192 Economy Class seats.
The seven A350-900ULR variants will offer four First Class seats, 70 Business Class seats, and 58 Premium Economy Class seats.
Further details about SIA’s new long-haul cabin products, including the latest KrisWorld IFE system, will be revealed closer to the launch of the Boeing 777-9 and the first retrofitted A350-900 aircraft.
By investing in these significant upgrades, Singapore Airlines reaffirms its position as a global leader in premium air travel.
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