Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced a major investment of S$1.1 billion to enhance its premium cabin offerings across 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) aircraft. The multi-year retrofit program will see the introduction of next-generation seating, including a luxurious new First Class cabin on the airline’s A350-900ULR aircraft, setting a new standard for travel on the world’s longest routes.
The program, scheduled to begin in 2026, aims to deliver a redefined in-flight experience with innovative upgrades in all cabin classes. The airline will roll out redesigned First and Business Class seats across its entire A350 fleet. The new First Class seats, featured on seven A350-900ULR aircraft, are expected to offer an exceptional level of comfort and privacy, tailored to meet the growing demands of discerning travellers on long-haul flights.
Business Class customers will also benefit from the upgraded seats, which will focus on providing increased privacy, comfort, and convenience. The new designs are built with a focus on ergonomic features and spacious layouts, ensuring a luxurious and productive environment whether passengers are relaxing or working during their journey. These updated seat models will also appear on SIA’s forthcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
In addition to the premium cabin upgrades, the retrofit program will include refreshing the Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins, enhancing overall comfort for all passengers. The airline will also debut the latest version of its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, which promises greater personalization, an expanded content library, and advanced lifestyle options for all cabin classes.
Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, commented, “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. The S$1.1 billion investment in retrofitting our 41 A350 aircraft reflects our commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience, setting new standards in innovation, customer experience, and service excellence.”
The retrofitting of the 41 A350 aircraft will be managed by SIA Engineering Company in Singapore. The first retrofitted aircraft is expected to enter service by the second quarter of 2026, with the A350-900ULR variant scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2027. The full retrofit program is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.
Upon completion, the 34 A350-900 long-haul aircraft will feature 42 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 192 Economy Class seats, while the seven A350-900ULR aircraft will offer four First Class seats, 70 Business Class seats, and 58 Premium Economy seats. Full details on the redesigned cabins and the new KrisWorld IFE system will be unveiled closer to the launch of the Boeing 777-9 and retrofitted A350 aircraft.
This significant upgrade is set to further cement Singapore Airlines’ reputation for excellence in customer service and innovation, ensuring it remains a leader in the premium travel market.
