Singapore Airlines planning massive first and business class cabin upgrades

Sinagapore Airlines’ fleet of A350s are about to get a cabin makeover. A lush new first and business class experience is coming in to land.

This week we learned that Singapore Airlines is set to roll out a major overhaul of its A350 fleet. At a whopping cost of $1.1 billion (with a B), Singapore Airlines wants to “redefine the in-flight experience”. 

It’s a multi-year upgrade that will see 41 of its A350-900 aircraft, including both long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) versions get a spruce. Passengers can expect revamped cabins across all classes, with key changes focused on enhancing comfort, privacy, and entertainment options.

Once the upgrades are complete, the long-haul A350s will be configured to accommodate 42 seats in Business, 24 in Premium Economy, and 192 in Economy. The ultra-long-range models, catering to fewer but longer routes, will feature a more tailored layout of four First Class seats, 70 in Business, and 58 in Premium Economy.

While we don’t have the full lowdown on the new upgrades, Singapore Airlines has teased us with early details.

First Class upgrades

The First Class cabins on Singapore’s Ultra-Long Range A350-900 planes will see them become some of the most exclusive clubs in the world. Once complete, there will only be four seats per plane. It’s all about maximum exclusivity and maximum privacy for flights that can go all over the world in a single hop.

The new seat designs, created from the ground up, focus on adaptability, allowing travellers to adjust seating positions for optimal comfort, whether they’re working, dining, or resting.

There’s also a bump in the in-flight entertainment system. First Class passengers will have upgraded screens as part of the new KrisWorld IFE system, with high-definition displays and an expanded selection of content that caters to long-haul journeys.

Business Class upgrades

Singapore means business with the Business Class upgrades. The newly-retrofitted cabins promise to deliver an experience that balances comfort and functionality.

New seats incorporate features aimed at giving passengers more privacy and space, for example. Expect partitions and privacy shields designed to create a more secluded experience on your next long-haul flight with Singapore airlines. 

The privacy will be nice during night flights, too. The new seats will recline fully into a flat bed so you can get cosy. Ergonomic upgrades have been built in for better posture support, helping reduce discomfort over extended hours.

The upgraded layout also includes more storage space and better ergonomics. Designated spaces for personal items will be plentiful, making it easier for travellers to store essentials within easy reach.

•Updated In-Flight Entertainment: Business Class travelers will also enjoy larger, high-definition IFE screens, complete with a personalised KrisWorld interface and an expanded selection of content.

These changes are aimed at creating a seamless blend of comfort, productivity, and relaxation, whether customers are flying for business or leisure.

Premium Economy and Economy upgrades

Upgrades to Premium Economy and Economy classes are also planned, but details are scarce at this stage.

We know they’ll both get upgraded screens and a more “personalised” in-flight entertainment experience. We’ll have to wait and see what that means. There’s also a new design language for the seats, too.

When can you fly on these upgraded planes?

Customers can expect to start flying in the newly retrofitted A350-900 cabins from the second quarter of 2026, with the ultra-long-range variant available in early 2027.

I’ll update this one when we hear more!