02 November 2017 - Singapore Airlines has today unveiled its highly-anticipated new cabin products; these will be implemented to its Airbus 380 fleet, starting from next month, over an extensive four-year development programme.
The new cabin products were displayed for the first time today at a media launch in Singapore. They will enter service next month on the first of five new A380 aircraft entering the fleet. Retrofit work will also take place on 14 existing aircraft, to ensure product consistency across the airline’s entire A380 fleet.
You can see the amazing First Class Suite details here.The new Singapore Airlines A380 will be configured with 471 seats in four classes, featuring six Singapore Airlines Suites and 78 Business Class seats on the upper deck, as well as 44 Premium Economy Class seats and 343 Economy Class seats on the main deck.
New Business Class on A380
I found it hard to believe Singapore Airlines is launching yet another new Business Class product over the existing A350/B777 Business Class. The existing product on the A380 is just 10 years old and I still find them comfortable and cutting edge; however Singapore Airlines is again at the for front of innovation and already implementing something new!
Seats in the Business Class cabin are arranged in a forward-facing, four-abreast (1-2-1) configuration that offers all customers direct access to the aisles.
Let's look at some real pictures from the launch event!
At first glance, the seat is fully flat, long and able to convert into double bed for couples travelling together!
The new Business Class seat is not as wide as the current version on the A350/A380/B777 but it comes with improved privacy and a full wall barrier that can be lowered to create the double bed!
However, the above photos best represent a bulk head row. This arrangement is less of a true double bed and more like two singles cosily nestled side-by-side.
Seats other than the ones in bulk head row have much less leg room as you have the seat shell in front to contend with. The seat reclines into a fully-flat bed, but with a weird angled sleeping position...
Some travellers will find this quite comfortable because you can sleep on your back or on your side, while others will intensely dislike lying on an angle. I am not a fan of this and find it just weird.
My advice is to book a bulkhead seat if you're tall and not a fan of sleeping sideways, they may be locked at the time of booking but I found the seats generally available at the time of check-in.
My impression
I think the new business class seems like more of an evolution of their current seat rather than a revolution. The big improvement is that you no longer have to flip the seat to convert into to a flat bed. You also get the improved privacy with a middle wall panel that goes all the way up. For couples, you can lower the panel to create "couples" bed (2 singles side by side).
However, I am not a big fan of the weird sleeping position with a "box" that confines your leg and feet movement, when in the flat position.
All in all, I am sure this is a solid premium product and will be accompanied by Singapore Airlines incredible hospitality. I'd love to give it a try when the new A380 enter service.
Video
Watch the video on Business Class seat demo
Singapore Airlines will begin flying its new business class seats daily on the Airbus A380 between Singapore and Sydney (SQ221/SQ232) from December 18 2017.
Sam Chui travelled to Singapore as a guest of Singapore Airlines.
What do you make of Singapore’s new A380 business class?