Singapore Airlines invests over S$2bil in new long-haul cabin upgrades

SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines is investing more than RM6.34 billion (S$2 billion) in new long-haul cabin products across all four travel classes.

This includes redesigned First Class suites, Business Class seats and upgraded Premium Economy and Economy Class seats.

SIA chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong said the investment marked an important milestone in the airline's ongoing efforts to develop and improve its products for passengers.

"This is an important milestone, and it is also part of our continuous journey to put in place and to invest in products that we know our customers will love," he said at the unveiling of the airline's new travel experience here today.

The new cabin products will be introduced progressively from the second half of 2027 on 41 retrofitted Airbus A350-900 aircraft and the airline's new Boeing 777-9 fleet.

The upgrades are part of SIA's wider plans to improve its passenger experience, including new in-flight dining options, entertainment systems, amenity kits and high-speed internet connectivity.

The Boeing 777-9 will feature new cabin products across all four classes, while the retrofitted A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) aircraft will receive the new Business Class seats.

SIA will also introduce First Class on its A350-900ULR fleet for the first time, including on its Singapore-New York services.

The new First Class suites will feature curved walls, sliding doors, additional storage space and smart cabin controls that remember passengers' preferred seating and lighting settings.

Passengers travelling together in the centre seats can convert their seats into a two-seater sofa or a double bed measuring 80 inches long and 60 inches wide, which SIA said would be the largest in commercial aviation.

In Business Class, the new seats will feature sliding privacy doors, adjustable dividers between centre seats and fully flat beds measuring 79 inches long.

Selected centre seats can also be configured as companion beds, while a redesigned table will create additional footwell space for passengers.

For Premium Economy, the airline will introduce seats with a 40-inch seat pitch, deeper recline, improved cushioning and adjustable leg rests and footrests.

Economy Class passengers will have redesigned seats with better cushioning, adjustable headrests and improved knee and shin clearance.

Singapore Airlines said the cabin upgrades were developed following research involving more than 5,000 frequent travellers, customers, employees and industry experts worldwide.

Goh said the airline will continue investing in its products and services to improve the passenger experience while maintaining its focus on customer trust and loyalty.

"By continuing to invest and elevate this end-to-end customer experience, we offer greater comfort and convenience, while reinforcing our commitment to earning their trust and loyalty at every single phase of their journey," he said.

Beyond the cabin upgrades, Singapore Airlines will introduce over 100 new and refreshed dishes across all cabin classes, including appetisers, main courses and desserts.

Suites, First Class and Business Class passengers will receive custom-designed Christofle serviceware, while selected dishes in Suites and First Class will feature additional presentation touches.

Singapore Airlines is also upgrading its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system with 4K high-resolution screens, spatial audio, Bluetooth headphone connectivity and more than 2,500 entertainment options.

The new screens will measure up to 32 inches in First Class, 22 inches in Business Class, 16 inches in Premium Economy and 13 inches in Economy Class.

High-speed internet connectivity on Starlink-enabled aircraft will allow passengers to stream content, work and stay connected during flights.

New amenity kits will be introduced across all cabin classes, featuring Sisley products for Suites and First Class, Byredo for Business Class and Ink & Water for Premium Economy.

Economy Class passengers will receive specially designed collectible pouches containing travel essentials.

Singapore Airlines will also introduce new 100 per cent cotton sleeper suits for Suites and First Class passengers, while Business Class passengers will receive sleeper suits for the first time.

Separately, Goh said SIA had invested more than S$130 million to transform its SilverKris lounges.

This includes those at Terminal 3 of Singapore Changi Airport, the ongoing renovation of lounges at Terminal 2 and other SilverKris lounges worldwide.

He said the airline was also introducing personalised ground services in Singapore for Suites and First Class passengers.

These include an airport concierge service and a full-service dining experience at the SilverKris First Class lounges at Changi Airport.

The airline said the new ground services would also include priority immigration and security clearance, meet-and-greet assistance and buggy transfers between selected airport locations, where available.