New first-class suites will offer adjoining seats that transform into a double bed.
Dubai: Singapore Airlines is investing more than S$2 billion ($1.6 billion) in a major cabin refurbishment programme, introducing private first-class suites with double beds, redesigned business-class seating and upgraded entertainment and dining options as it seeks to appeal to premium travellers.
The new cabin designs, unveiled on Friday, November 6, will be rolled out progressively from the second half of 2027 across the airline’s Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range aircraft, as well as its new Boeing 777-9 jets once they enter service.
The highlight is a first-class suite designed for couples, featuring two adjoining seats that can be converted into a sofa or, as the airline describes it, the largest double bed in commercial aviation.
The suites will include curved sliding doors for added privacy, 32-inch 4K entertainment screens, Bang & Olufsen noise-cancelling headphones and the option for passengers to enjoy meals facing one another.
Lee Lik Hsin, the airline’s chief commercial officer, said passenger feedback had influenced the design, with premium travellers increasingly expressing a preference for sharing their journey rather than being separated in individual enclosed spaces.
“In first class, we’ve created a living room space for two people,” Lee told CNBC.
The business-class cabins are also being redesigned, with sliding privacy doors, fully flat beds and seating configurations that allow couples to sit closer together.
Passengers will have 22-inch 4K screens, wireless charging and Bluetooth audio connectivity. Smart cabin controls will also be able to retain individual preferences between journeys.
The revamp follows extensive research involving more than 5,000 frequent flyers, customers, employees and industry experts.
Boeing delays reshape rollout
The investment programme covers 72 aircraft, comprising 41 existing Airbus A350s scheduled for retrofitting and 31 Boeing 777-9s on order.
The Airbus fleet will receive the new business-class seats, while first-class cabins will be introduced for the first time on the airline’s ultra-long-range A350 aircraft.
The 777-9s will feature redesigned seating across all four cabin classes, including premium economy and economy.
Singapore Airlines had originally planned to debut its next-generation seats on the Boeing 777-9. However, repeated delays in the aircraft’s delivery led the airline to expand the programme to its existing Airbus fleet.
The carrier had initially expected Boeing’s new widebody aircraft to enter service in 2021, but the programme has encountered several setbacks.
The cabin upgrade will also benefit economy and premium economy passengers. The incoming 777-9 aircraft will feature more reclining space, redesigned seats, additional legroom and improved entertainment screens.
Singapore Airlines is also updating its KrisWorld entertainment platform, with 4K displays, Bluetooth connectivity, spatial audio and a library of more than 2,500 entertainment options.
Starlink Wi-Fi and enhanced dining
Alongside the cabin upgrades, Singapore Airlines plans to introduce Starlink satellite internet across its Airbus A350 long-haul and ultra-long-range aircraft, as well as its A380 fleet. The rollout is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
The high-speed connection will enable passengers to stream videos, work and stay connected online while flying.
The airline has also unveiled more than 100 new and updated dishes across its cabins, a wider selection of beverages and bespoke Christofle tableware for premium-class travellers.
New amenity kits will include products from luxury brands Sisley in first class and Byredo in business class. Business-class passengers will also receive sleeper suits, a first for the airline.
On the ground, Singapore Airlines is allocating more than S$130 million to refurbish its SilverKris lounges, including facilities at Singapore Changi Airport and other international destinations.
First-class travellers departing from Changi will also have access to enhanced concierge assistance, buggy transfers and priority immigration and security clearance.
Singapore Airlines was named the world’s best airline at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards. However, Qatar Airways secured the top honour for business class, while Air France won the award for first class.
