- Retrofitted A350-900s to enter into service starting in Q2 2026; ULRs in Q1 2027.
- New First Class Cabin, featuring four seats, will debut on the A350-900ULR.
- Redesigned Business Class with sliding doors and added privacy on all 41 A350s.
Singapore Airlines has announced a S$1.1 billion investment to retrofit its 41 Airbus A350 aircraft. With this multi-year program, the carrier will launch its much-anticipated First and Business Class cabins on its existing A350 fleet.
Initially planned for its delayed Boeing 777-9 aircraft, these premium products will now be on offer in the airline’s A350 fleet starting in 2026. With these retrofitted aircraft, Singapore Airlines aims to upgrade the in-flight experience for its premium customers, particularly on the world’s longest routes, and bridge the gap left by the delayed 777-9.
New First Class on A350-900ULR
In a first for Singapore Airlines’ A350 fleet, a luxurious First Class cabin will be introduced on the seven ultra-long-range A350-900ULR aircraft.
This new configuration will feature four exclusive First Class suites, designed with privacy in mind, including amenities like electric window blinds and ample space for ultimate relaxation.
New Business Class
Across all 41 A350 aircraft, Business Class will be upgraded with a new seat design that includes sliding doors, ensuring greater privacy.
These new seats, similar to the ones designed for the upcoming 777-9, are optimized for comfort and convenience, allowing passengers to sleep without needing to rest diagonally, a marked improvement over the current A350 Business Class.
Moreover, this retrofit will increase the Business Class seating capacity on the A350-900ULR from 67 to 70 seats.
Premium Economy and Economy Class
Premium Economy Class on the A350-900ULR will undergo significant adjustments, with seating reduced from 94 to 58 to accommodate the new First Class cabins.
Both Premium Economy and Economy classes will also see refreshed interiors aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience, though SIA has not yet disclosed specific design details.
Timeline and Future Plans
The first retrofitted A350-900 long-haul aircraft is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2026, with the first A350-900ULR variant joining the fleet in the first quarter of 2027.
The entire retrofit program is scheduled for completion by the end of 2030.
Once completed, the A350 fleet’s configuration will include 42 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 192 Economy seats on the A350-900s, while the A350-900ULR will feature four First Class suites, 70 Business Class seats, and 58 Premium Economy seats.
Commenting on the investment, SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong highlighted the airline’s dedication to meeting evolving customer expectations.
“The S$1.1 billion investment in retrofitting our 41 A350 aircraft reaffirms Singapore Airlines’ unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience. Our next-generation First Class and Business Class designs, crafted with input from customers and stakeholders, will allow our passengers to experience unmatched comfort, privacy, and luxury.”
Enhanced KrisWorld In-Flight Entertainment
The upgraded A350s will also introduce the latest version of KrisWorld, SIA’s in-flight entertainment system, across all cabin classes. The system is expected to offer a more personalized experience with an expanded selection of lifestyle content, complementing the airline’s dedication to premium service.
Singapore Airlines plans to release additional details about its new A350 cabin products and the latest KrisWorld IFE system as the first Boeing 777-9 and retrofitted A350-900 aircraft near their entry into service.