Singapore Airlines has taken delivery of its final Airbus A350 featuring the 2013 Business Class seats, signaling the end of one era as the airline readies itself for a significant cabin upgrade scheduled for 2026.
The newly received aircraft, 9V-SJI, represents both a shift in Singapore Airlines’ product offerings and a testament to its loyal customers’ patience as the airline prepares for a major transformation in its long-haul business class experience.
A Legacy of A350 Excellence
Singapore Airlines’ journey with the Airbus A350 fleet commenced in March 2016, when it received the 26th A350 built globally, establishing itself as a key player in the wide-body aircraft sector. Today, the airline is the world’s largest operator of Airbus A350s, boasting a fleet of 65 aircraft, solidifying its leadership in long-haul aviation.
The arrival of 9V-SJI is significant, as it is the last new Airbus A350 the airline will receive for the foreseeable future. As the 697th A350 produced by Airbus, it will soon be positioned at Changi Airport to serve as the final long-haul aircraft addition until the Boeing 777-9s arrive.
2013 Business Class Seat: A Closing Chapter
While the introduction of 9V-SJI is noteworthy, it also marks the end of an era for the airline’s Business Class offerings. This aircraft is outfitted with the 2013 long-haul Business Class seat, a mainstay in Singapore Airlines’ premium cabin for over ten years. First launched in 2013 on the Boeing 777-300ER, this seat has been a prominent feature across various aircraft types, including the Airbus A350 Long Haul and Boeing 777-300ER.
With the addition of 9V-SJI, Singapore Airlines now features a total of 3,247 of these seats in its fleet, serving as the primary option for long-haul travel. However, these seats are now set to be phased out, with plans starting in early 2026 to retrofit the Airbus A350 Long Haul and ULR aircraft with a new Business Class seat designed to greatly enhance passenger comfort.
The Road Ahead: A New Business Class Experience
The upcoming Business Class cabin, anticipated to debut on the Boeing 777-9, has encountered delays but is now expected to feature on select Airbus A350 models beginning in 2026. The redesigned Business Class seats will showcase closed-door suites, reflecting a growing trend in premium travel. Initial renderings indicate a combination of window-aligned and aisle-aligned seating arrangements that may offer couples the option for double beds for added luxury.
Passengers can expect modern upgrades, including USB-C charging ports, wireless charging pads, Bluetooth headphone compatibility, and larger 4K in-flight entertainment screens. The new cabin will also provide more private and comfortable spaces for work or relaxation, in line with contemporary luxury travel standards.
The Versatility of the A350
The Airbus A350 continues to be a key component of Singapore Airlines’ long-haul fleet due to its fuel efficiency and versatile capabilities. The latest addition, 9V-SJI, falls under the airline’s “Long Haul+” sub-variant, optimized for exceptional range and efficiency, especially on long transcontinental routes, including those to the US West Coast, while offering passengers a premium travel experience.
Singapore Airlines operates three variants of the A350, each tailored to meet specific operational demands, ensuring the airline remains at the forefront of global aviation.
Closing Thoughts
The delivery of 9V-SJI is not merely the final Airbus A350 in its current configuration; it signifies the conclusion of a chapter in the evolution of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class. With substantial updates ahead for the Business Class product, the airline is set to continue its legacy of luxury and innovation. As Singapore Airlines gears up to reveal its new Business Class offering in 2026, the transformation journey is underway, generating excitement among passengers for the next phase of premium air travel.
