Singapore Airlines is planning a major cabin renovation for its long-haul Airbus A350 fleet, including a new first-class cabin that will one day be offered on the world’s longest air routes.

Monday, Singapore announced a $1.1 billion cabin upgrade program for its A350-900 fleet, covering both its long-haul and ultra-long-haul aircraft.

The work includes refreshed coach and premium economy cabins, all-new business class concepts and, on its most distant jets, new first class offerings. Together, this work will set “new industry benchmarks for travel on the world’s longest routes,” the carrier said in a statement on Monday.

It will also improve the situation for an airline that has long offered an in-flight product ranked among the best in the world.

Singapore A350-900 upgrade plans

As part of these changes, Singapore plans to equip its seven ultra-long-haul A350-900s with a new first class cabin, “designed for increasingly demanding travelers”. This is a clear move to meet the strong demand for premium travel experiences reported across the industry.

The carrier released “preview” renderings on Monday that show a significant footprint for the new seat concept – clearly Singapore’s take on the private suite concept that airlines are increasingly deploying for their premium seats.

But we’ll have to wait until closer to the product launch to really get a taste of the features of the airline’s new first class.

Singapore operates its A350-900ULR on its longest routes, including currently the world’s longest flights between Singapore and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This means you will see the new first class concept and improved cabin on these flights in the coming years.

The addition of a first class cabin is not entirely new to Singapore. Today, you can book an “F” ticket on flights aboard its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER.

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Business Class Update

Meanwhile, as part of the renovations, Singapore will also unveil an all-new business class product on its long-haul and ultra-long-haul A350s. The carrier’s limited preview of the new seats showed private sliding doors as part of the suite concept.

Singapore notes that these products will reflect the future design of its next Boeing 777-9 aircraft on order – although Boeing’s new 777X family aircraft continues to face lengthy production delays.

“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,” said Singapore CEO Goh Choon Phong on Monday.

Learn more: How does the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer waitlist for award flights work?

Premium Economy and Coach

Premium cabins aren’t the only ones getting an upgrade under Singapore’s billion-dollar program.

The carrier also plans to “refresh” its economy and premium cabins.

Throughout the plane, customers will have access to an updated KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system with greater customization options, the carrier said – and it will feature all-new screens in the First Class and First Class sections. business.

The upgraded A350-900 long-haul aircraft will have 42 business class seats and 24 premium economy seats, matching current cabin configurations.

However, the ultra-long-haul aircraft will have four first-class suites, 70 business class seats and 58 premium economy class seats. Today’s ULR jets include 67 business modules and 94 premium economy seats.

Learn more: Singapore KrisFlyer: Ultimate Guide to Earning, Redeeming and Getting Elite Status

Conclusion

Don’t expect to see these new seats immediately.

Singapore expects its first long-haul A350 to enter service in mid-2026. Its first ultra-long-haul A350 with an upgraded cabin is expected to arrive in service in early 2027, the carrier said. The airline hopes to complete the entire modernization program by the end of 2030.

Singapore currently operates non-stop flights to the United States from its hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to four US airports: JFK, Newark, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Francisco International Airport. Los Angeles (LAX).

You can also take a fifth freedom flight in Singapore from JFK to Frankfurt; from LAX to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT); And – until April – from Houston to Manchester, England. This latter service ends on April 1, the date on which Singapore to exit Houston market quite.

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