Singapore Airlines has unveiled plans to retrofit its 41 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with the upgraded models expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2026 and the ultra-long-range (ULR) versions following in the first quarter of 2027. The retrofit includes a brand new First Class cabin featuring four seats and a redesigned Business Class that incorporates sliding doors for enhanced privacy across all A350s.
The airline is investing S$1.1 billion in this multi-year program, which will see the launch of sought-after First and Business Class offerings initially intended for the delayed Boeing 777-9. By implementing these upgrades on its A350 fleet, Singapore Airlines is focused on enhancing the in-flight experience for its premium customers, especially on its longest routes, effectively addressing the gap left by the postponed 777-9 introduction.
New Business Class Enhancements
Singapore Airlines is set to enhance the Business Class across all 41 A350 aircraft with a redesigned seat featuring sliding doors to provide increased privacy. The new seats, inspired by the design for the forthcoming Boeing 777-9, prioritize comfort and convenience, allowing passengers to recline without needing to lay diagonally—an upgrade over the current A350 Business Class configuration. Additionally, the Business Class seating capacity on the A350-900ULR will increase from 67 to 70 seats.
Changes to Premium Economy and Economy Class
The Premium Economy Class on the A350-900ULR will see a significant reduction in seats, decreasing from 94 to 58 to accommodate the new First Class cabins. Both Premium Economy and Economy classes will feature refreshed interiors aimed at improving the travel experience; however, specific design details have yet to be disclosed by Singapore Airlines.
Timeline and Future Developments
The first retrofitted A350-900 for long-haul services is anticipated to enter service in the second quarter of 2026, with the A350-900ULR variants scheduled to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2027. The entire retrofit program is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.
Upon completion, the A350 fleet’s layout will consist of 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.
“The S$1.1 billion investment in retrofitting our 41 A350 aircraft demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ commitment to providing an exceptional travel experience. Our next-generation First and Business Class designs, developed with input from customers and stakeholders, will offer unmatched comfort, privacy, and luxury,” a spokesperson stated.
Upgraded KrisWorld In-Flight Entertainment
The refurbished A350s will also feature the latest version of KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system, across all cabin classes. This system is geared to provide a more personalized experience with a broader selection of lifestyle content, aligning with the airline’s commitment to premium service.
Singapore Airlines plans to share more information about the new A350 cabin products and the updated KrisWorld IFE system as the inaugural Boeing 777-9 and retrofitted A350-900 aircraft approach their service launch.
Credit: Singapore Airlines
