Singapore Airlines Unveils S$2bn Long-Haul Cabin Overhaul

SINGAPORE — Singapore Airlines (SQ) unveiled new long-haul cabins on November 6 as part of an investment exceeding S$2bn, with entry into service planned progressively from the second half of 2027.

The program covers 72 aircraft, including retrofitted Airbus A350-900s and incoming Boeing 777-9s. The total includes the S$1.1bn A350 refurbishment announced in 2024, Chief Commercial Officer Lee Lik Hsin told Reuters.

Double Beds and Business-Class Doors

The new first-class design has curved sliding doors and center seats that can combine into a sofa or double bed. Singapore Airlines describes the bed as the largest in commercial aviation.

Business class adds sliding privacy doors and fully flat beds. The airline's product specifications put the first-class double bed at 80 inches long by 60 inches wide (203cm by 152cm).

The airline also revealed premium-economy and economy products. Passengers should distinguish the new 777-9 interiors from the scope of the A350 refurbishment: the airline's original A350 plan calls for new first and business class, alongside refreshed premium-economy and economy cabins.

First class is planned for the seven ultra-long-range A350-900ULRs, which previously lacked that cabin. The 2024 plan specified four first-class seats, 70 business-class seats and 58 premium-economy seats on each refurbished ULR. The other 34 long-haul A350s were to retain a three-class layout.

A Later Rollout

When Airways covered the A350 retrofit announcement, the first long-haul aircraft was expected in the second quarter of 2026. The airline's original schedule placed the first ULR in the first quarter of 2027 and completion of all 41 aircraft by the end of 2030.

The new second-half 2027 starting window puts the introduction more than a year beyond that initial long-haul A350 target. Mainly Miles reports that Singapore Airlines has yet to commit to whether an A350 or a 777-9 will introduce the products.

Two Different Certification Hurdles

Lee told Reuters that the seats were certified for the 777-9 but still awaited A350 approval, while the 777-9 aircraft itself remained uncertified. Boeing said in its October 27 results that certification flight testing was continuing, with first delivery expected in 2027. That manufacturer-wide target does not establish Singapore Airlines' delivery date.

Seat certification examines more than whether a bed reclines or a door closes. Federal Aviation Administration guidance addresses occupant protection during dynamic testing, structural performance and whether deformed seats or attached components obstruct escape. Privacy dividers and deployable fittings can affect those assessments.

The FAA guidance does not identify the particular issue delaying Singapore Airlines' A350 seats. The airline's rollout now depends on A350 seat approval on one side and certification and delivery of the 777-9 on the other.