Singapore Airlines is investing $835 million in new cabin products for its Airbus A350 fleet, including the introduction of a First Class cabin on select aircraft.
The refurbishment will begin with the A350-900, with the first retrofitted aircraft expected to be ready by the second quarter of 2026 and the project set for completion by 2030, according to Aeroin.
A total of 41 A350 aircraft will receive the new products, which will share the seat design of the upcoming Boeing 777-9. All four cabin classes will feature new elements, including an updated version of the in-flight entertainment system.
The airline’s famous A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range), used on the world’s longest flights lasting over 17 hours between Singapore and New York, will for the first time feature a First Class cabin.
Refurbishment
Currently, these aircraft are configured with 67 seats in Business Class and 94 seats in Premium Economy. After the refurbishment, the total seating capacity will be further reduced to just 132, including four in First Class, 70 in Business, and 58 in Premium Economy.
These ultra-long-haul aircraft operate Singapore Airlines’ longest routes to two New York airports: JFK and Newark.
In addition to the U.S. East Coast, these aircraft are used on some flights to the West Coast, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The new Business Class will feature a sliding door, a feature that is becoming standard across the industry.
While First Class has lost popularity among major global airlines, with many reducing the number of seats or removing the class altogether due to increased comfort in Business Class, Singapore Airlines remains committed to differentiating itself by offering a unique premium experience at an equally premium price.
