Singapore Airlines is up-gauging its premium product portfolio with a massive S$1.1 billion (US$ 832 million) project to introduce all-new First Class suites and Business Class cabins across its Airbus A350-900 fleet.
According to a press release from the airline, the new First Class cabin will be installed on its A350-900ULR (ultra-long-range) planes, which operate on the world’s longest route between Singapore and New York, and other far-reaching destinations like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Currently, Singapore Airlines only offers First Class onboard select Boeing 777-300ERs and the coveted Suites on the Airbus A380s. The ambitious project will now offer the airline’s top First Class product on its seven A350-900ULRs, set to debut in 2027.
Photo: First Class Suite, Airbus A380. Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
But the new Business Class cabin will arrive sooner. The airline says the first retrofitted A350—used on regular long-haul routes from Singapore Changi to long-haul destinations in Asia, Africa, and Europe—is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2026, with full completion across all 41 aircraft projected by the end of 2030.
Designed to “set new standards in innovation, customer experience, and service excellence,” the new cabin upgrades seek to reinforce the airline’s long-standing reputation as a leader in premium ultra-long-haul travel.
The new seats will also be available on the delayed Boeing 777-9, which, according to a recent Boeing update, has its first delivery pushed back to 2026.
Photo: Singapore Airlines, Boeing 777-9. Courtesy of Boeing
Singapore Airlines has 31 Boeing 777-9 aircraft on order, which should become its new flagship with its full range of new cabin products and amenities.
Six Years in the Making
According to Singapore Airlines, this extensive cabin overhaul has been in the works for the last six years with direct customer feedback.
“We have extensively engaged customers and stakeholders in designing our next-generation long-haul cabin products, anticipating their evolving preferences and expectations down to the finest detail,” says Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong.
Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
“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,” he says.
The airline adds that the upgrades will also include enhancements for all cabins. Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers can also look forward to updated cabin interiors to improve their travel experience. However, Singapore Airlines did not provide additional details regarding these two classes.
What to Expect?
Although the complete details remain tightly under wraps, a teaser video of the upcoming First and Business Class seats reveals an impressive upgrade in privacy with the introduction of tall sliding doors—a feature that is rapidly becoming a standard expectation among leading premium international airlines.
In First Class, the airline teases two beautifully designed doors that gracefully slide open to reveal three elegantly shaded windows, which can be opened electronically. This luxurious suite is not only adorned with a massive in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen but also showcases a refined color palette that adds to the overall sophistication of the space.
Meanwhile, the new Business Class product hints at a similar focus on privacy, with a prominent tall sliding door that provides a sense of seclusion. The seat is further enhanced by an intricate, elegant pattern adorning the suite’s walls, contributing to an overall ambiance of modern luxury and comfort.
Singapore Airlines A350 Variants
The Star Alliance member currently operates three variants of the Airbus A350 aircraft on its wide range of medium-, long-, and ultra-long haul routes.
The medium-haul A350 is primarily designed for intra-Asian flights, featuring a denser cabin layout with 303 seats split into Business and Economy Class.
Photo: Singapore Airlines, Airbus A350-900. Courtesy of Saif Zaman / Unsplash
The long-haul aircraft is designed for routes to distant destinations like Europe and Oceania, with a capacity of 253 seats in a three-cabin configuration: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
Lastly, the ULR plane is specifically tailored for ultra-long-haul flights—such as the route from Singapore to New York—featuring a much more spacious 161-seat two-cabin configuration to enhance comfort on these extended journeys, which can last up to 19 hours of flight time.
Photo: The Airbus A350 Business Class cabin provides aisle access to all passengers. Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines did confirm that the upgraded ULR aircraft will now feature four lavish First Class suites, 70 Business Class seats, and 58 Premium Economy seats, omitting Economy class to maximize passenger comfort on lengthy routes.
Meanwhile, according to the airline’s press release, the other A350s will have 42 Business, 24 Premium Economy, and 192 Economy seats.
In terms of entertainment, an improved KrisWorld IFE system will also be part of the makeover. Singapore Airlines promises greater personalization through larger, high-definition screens across cabins, allowing passengers to tailor their onboard entertainment experience.
Photo: Singapore Airlines KrisWorld, A380 Suites. Courtesy of Daniel Ross
“Our new seats are designed from the ground up to reflect our customers’ desire for elevated comfort and convenience,” noted CEO Goh. “This project represents our most ambitious cabin upgrade yet, reflecting our commitment to delivering an unparalleled travel experience.”
Looking at the Competition
As sliding doors have become an essential feature in business class cabins, Singapore Airlines is among the last major carriers to adopt this trend, with the redesigned cabins expected to debut in 2026.
Originally reserved for ultra-premium First Class suites, sliding doors are now seen as nearly essential for privacy and comfort in business class. The trend took off in 2017 with Delta’s Delta One suite, soon followed by Qatar Airways‘ award-winning Qsuite.
Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
Since then, numerous airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and Starlux, have introduced sliding doors in their business cabins, raising the bar for privacy on long-haul flights.
Even Cathay Pacific recently unveiled its Aria Suite Business Class seat, featuring sliding doors for added privacy and a cocoon-like design for increased seclusion.
Meanwhile, some airlines, like Lufthansa, are adding doors to its all-new Allegris product, which features front-of-the-cabin “business plus” seats to create a more premium experience within the business cabin.
Photo: Allegris Business Suites. Courtesy of Lufthansa
This new category is gaining traction, with airlines like Virgin Atlantic, Condor, and JetBlue nominated in this year’s Business Traveler Awards for Best Business Class Plus category.
However, world-class airlines such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines are notable exceptions among leading carriers offering sliding doors in Business Class.
Emirates has recently revamped its Business Class for the Boeing 777-300ER fleet, which does not include sliding doors, leading to criticism from industry experts.
Photo: Courtesy of Emirates
Sir Tim Clark, the chief of Emirates, explained during this year’s IATA AGM in Dubai that delays in the delivery of new aircraft prompted the rushed upgrade of the cabins onboard some of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. Experts predict that the absence of sliding doors will change with the arrival of the delayed Boeing 777-9s, which are expected to feature entirely new First and Business Class products, likely including the highly sought-after sliding doors.
When it comes to Singapore Airlines, passengers have reason to be excited about the introduction of a highly sought-after perk. Coupled with the airline’s award-winning food and beverage program, which features some of the finest champagne in the skies, the future looks promising for this carrier.