Singapore Airlines To Upgrade Airbus A350s

Singapore Airlines has become the latest carrier to announce a substantial investment in retrofitting its existing fleet to update the standards.

The Changi-based company is slated to invest some S$1.1 billion in its Airbus A350-900 fleet by installing a new long-haul cabin product.

The major programme will see 41 aircraft included with the A350-900s and the unique ULR variants optimised for ultra-long range aimed at getting an upgrade.

Singapore Airlines says it’ll introduce a luxurious first-class cabin on seven of the A350ULRs aimed at flying on some of the world’s longest flights with an all-upper-class cabin offered and, therefore, no economy.

The carrier says that by installing these first-class seats, the airline will push the boundaries of ultra-long-haul travel and aim to set a benchmark for what should be expected on 20-hour journeys.

The new First Class and Business Class seat designs will incorporate thoughtful elements that push the boundaries of comfort, luxury, and modernity, allowing our customers to relax or work effortlessly on board. Premium Economy Class and Economy Class customers can also look forward to refreshed cabin interiors that enhance their travel experience.

Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines

These suites are slated to be designed with the traveller in mind, and Singapore said quite firmly that once they fly, these A350ULRs will deliver an unparalleled in-flight experience.

Furthermore, Singapore Airlines will also change its Business Class with new upcoming seats to offer an innovative design. Across the 41 aircraft, a focus will be placed on convenience and comfort with the seats while ensuring maximum privacy.

From the ground up, Singapore Airlines is committing heavily to getting this retrofit programme done right to ensure these planes can align with the times, for the airline to stay at the top of its class, and for the airline to continue being renowned as one of the best.

An ergonomic business and a first-class product are crucial, and it is also paramount to ensure that customers’ preferences are catered to with spaciousness.

While there remains uncertainty on when the upcoming Boeing 777X will be delivered to Singapore Airlines, an aircraft it has ordered, the airline has confirmed that the same seat designs to be implemented on the A350s will be what features on the 777-9.

Much of the focus has rested on the upper-class cabins, which, while they aren’t where the vast majority will travel, are often the most paraded and the revenue driver.

However, Singapore Airlines is still investing in its Premium Economy Class and Economy to refresh the standards and ensure there is a degree of consistency throughout the cabin that can be felt.

What Next For Singapore Airlines?

The aircraft to undergo the retrofitting process will see work undertaken by SIA Engineering in Singapore. The first aircraft is expected to enter service in 2026, specifically in the second quarter, with this for the standard A350-900.

Meanwhile, the A350-900ULR will follow with the re-entry into service in the first quarter of 2027. Permitting no hiccups, Singapore Airlines hopes the entire programme will be completed by the end of 2030.

When the retrofit is completed, the A350-900ULR will feature four first-class suites, 70 business-class seats, and 58 premium-class seats. Meanwhile, the 34 A3500-900s will have 42 in Business, 24 in Premium Economy, and 192 in Economy.