Singapore Airlines commits S$2 billion to long-haul cabin

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is investing more than S$2 billion (US$1.5 billion) in new long-haul cabin products across all four classes, plus upgrades to inflight entertainment, dining, connectivity and lounges. According to TTG Asia, the airline announced the programme on 6 November 2026, with new cabins entering service progressively from the second half of 2027.

Which aircraft get the new cabins

TTG Asia reports that the products will appear on 41 retrofitted Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range aircraft, as well as on the airline's new Boeing 777-9 fleet. The 777-9 will have new seats in First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The retrofitted A350-900s will receive new Business Class seats, and First Class will be introduced on the A350-900ULR for the first time.

SIA says the designs followed research involving more than 5,000 frequent travellers, customers, staff and industry experts, which pointed to demand for greater privacy, comfort and flexibility.

What the new seats offer

First Class: private suites with sliding doors, adjustable seating and smart controls that remember preferred seat and lighting settings. Centre seats can become a two-seater sofa or a double bed of roughly 2.03m by 1.52m.
Business Class: sliding privacy doors, adjustable dividers and full-flat beds about 2.01m long. Selected centre seats can be set up as companion beds.
Premium Economy (777-9): extra personal storage, adjustable leg and footrests, and device holders.
Economy: redesigned seats with improved leg clearance, adjustable headrests and charging facilities.

Entertainment, dining, connectivity and lounges

The next-generation KrisWorld system will offer 4K touchscreens, spatial audio, Bluetooth headphone connectivity and more than 2,500 entertainment options. TTG Asia says high-speed Starlink internet will be available on selected Airbus A380 and A350 aircraft.

More than 100 new and refreshed dishes are planned across cabin classes, along with wider beverage selections and new amenity kits. Business Class passengers will receive sleeper suits for the first time.

On the ground, SIA will spend more than S$130 million renovating and expanding its SilverKris lounges, including those at Singapore Changi Airport, adding seating, dining and rest areas. Suites and First Class passengers at Changi will also get priority immigration and security clearance, concierge assistance and buggy transfers at selected airport locations. CEO Goh Choon Phong said the investment is designed to deliver "greater comfort, choice, and convenience at every stage".

What this means for travellers

Nothing changes immediately: the new cabins arrive from the second half of 2027 and will be phased in, so the seat a passenger gets will depend on the aircraft operating their flight. The source does not say which routes will receive the new aircraft first, when each of the 41 A350s will be retrofitted, or whether fares will change. Travellers comparing premium carriers on Europe, Australia and US routes should check the aircraft type and seat map when booking.

Some improvements are not tied to cabin installation, including the lounge renovations and Changi ground services for Suites and First Class passengers, although TTG Asia gives no separate timeline for them.

Sources: TTG Asia.