Singapore Airlines unveils S$2 billion long-haul cabins

Singapore Airlines has unveiled a new range of long-haul cabin products across First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class, as part of an investment of more than S$2 billion.

The new interiors are due to enter service from the second half of 2027 on retrofitted Airbus A350-900 and A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft, as well as new Boeing 777-9 jets. The programme covers 41 retrofitted A350-900 long-haul and A350-900ULR aircraft, while the 777-9 fleet will carry the full set of new cabin products.

First Class will be introduced on the A350-900ULR fleet for the first time. Those aircraft, along with the Boeing 777-9, will receive the airline's new First Class offering, while the wider A350 retrofit programme will include the new Business Class seats.

The redesign spans all four cabin classes and reflects a broader push by airlines to refresh premium long-haul travel as competition for higher-yield passengers intensifies. Singapore Airlines said the programme was shaped by research involving more than 5,000 frequent travellers, customers, staff and industry experts.

The research included focus groups, interviews, surveys and concept testing, and pointed to stronger demand for privacy, comfort, intuitive functions, flexibility and a more connected onboard experience.

Cabin changes

In First Class, the airline is introducing enclosed suites with curved sliding doors, more personal space and room for companion dining. Centre seats can also be converted into either a two-seater sofa or, in the airline's words, the largest double bed in the sky.

Business Class will focus on revised ergonomics, greater privacy and a layout designed to support both work and rest. The design also includes adaptable personal space and companion beds.

Changes in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class focus on more space, comfort and convenience, alongside updated entertainment options. No further technical specifications were disclosed in the announcement.

A notable feature in the premium cabins is the addition of smart cabin controls that remember customer preferences across journeys in First Class and Business Class. These settings are intended to make repeat travel more personalised.

Design partners

Singapore Airlines worked with several external design and manufacturing groups on the project. PriestmanGoode handled First Class, Designworks worked on Business Class, and Factorydesign was responsible for Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.

Collins Aerospace is supplying the new First Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats, while RECARO Aircraft Seating is producing the new Business Class seats. The products were developed with those partners after the customer research phase.

The investment underlines the strategic importance of long-haul premium travel for Singapore Airlines, which has long positioned cabin design and onboard service as a differentiator. Retrofitting existing aircraft while introducing the new products on incoming jets also suggests the carrier is seeking a more consistent experience across key parts of its widebody fleet.

The inclusion of First Class on the A350-900ULR fleet marks a significant shift for aircraft used on some of the airline's longest routes. Ultra-long-range services place particular emphasis on sleep, personal space and privacy, areas that featured heavily in the airline's description of the new products.

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: "While each cabin has been designed individually, they are united by the same ambition to make the experience more comfortable, flexible, and rewarding for our customers. Singapore Airlines' next-generation long-haul cabin products will ensure that our customers travel more comfortably than before, and have greater control over their in-flight experience, whether they are working, dining, relaxing, or resting."