Singapore Airlines unveils new cabins in all four classes

The airline showed the new cabins in Singapore on Friday. It called the programme the biggest and most comprehensive overhaul in its history. The work covers A350-900 aircraft that the airline will retrofit and Boeing 777-9 aircraft that it has on order, and it includes larger double-bed first-class suites.

The airline pays for the work from its cash balance, which stood at S$9.1bn (R117.4bn) at the end of June. The total includes a S$1.1bn (R14.19bn) plan to refurbish the A350s, which it announced in 2024.

Chief commercial officer Lee Lik Hsin said certification delays pushed back the A350 seats by about half a year. The entry into service of the 777-9 has slipped for years because of certification problems. Chief executive Goh Choon Phong said customers asked for more comfort, more privacy and spaces they can adapt.

David Flynn, editor-in-chief of Executive Traveller, said business class is a solid and much-needed catch-up to rivals, not a big leap ahead. He said the airline looks to beat Emirates and arguably Cathay on features and ease of use in business class. He said the new first class ranks among the world's best.