Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) next-generation first and business class seats on its Airbus A350-900 aircraft are expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2027 instead of the second quarter of 2026.
“The revised timeline reflects industry-wide supply chain constraints, as well as a delay in the certification of one of the new seats,” SIA’s spokesperson said, as reported by CNA.
The upgrade – announced in November 2024 – was part of SIA’s programme to install all-new long-haul cabin products across 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) aircraft.
SIA had said in November 2024 that the products are designed from the ground up, with a spacious layout and ergonomic elements that “cater to every customer’s needs”.
It said at the time it was investing S$1.1 billion (US$863 million) in the programme, with the retrofit to be done by SIA Engineering Company in Singapore. Premium economy class and economy class cabins will also be refreshed, the airline had said.
Originally, the first retrofitted A350-900 long-haul aircraft was expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2026 while the first A350-900ULR variant would follow in the first quarter of 2027.
SIA’s spokesperson said the retrofitted A350-900 is expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
SIA said it will unveil its enhanced travel experience later in 2026. This would include all-new long-haul first class, business class, premium economy class, and economy class cabin products, an elevated dining experience, the next-generation KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system and new in-flight soft furnishings and amenities.
The airline had said that after the makeover, 34 A350-900 long-haul aircraft will have 42 business class seats, 24 premium economy class seats, and 192 economy class seats.
Meanwhile, the seven A350-900ULR variants will feature four first class seats, 70 business class seats, and 58 premium economy class seats.
Singapore Airlines to roll out Starlink’s broadband service on select aircraft from early 2027
Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based broadband service will be progressively introduced on SIA’s Airbus A350-900 long-haul (LH), A350-900 ultra-long-range (ULR) and A380 aircraft, starting from the first quarter of 2027.
Starlink, having more than 10,000 satellites launched to low Earth orbit, can deliver multi-gigabit connectivity to aircraft using its Aero Terminal, which can support up to 1 Gbps per antenna.
Faster and smoother connectivity is expected for passengers in all cabin classes for activities such as video streaming, sharing content on social media, gaming and sending large files.
The rollout of the service is expected to be completed at the end of 2029. SIA customers in Suites, First Class, Business Class, PPS Club members, as well as KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy and Economy, will continue to enjoy the airline’s unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi experience on board Starlink-enabled aircraft.
Singapore Airlines extends cancellation of Dubai flights until Aug
More flights operated by SIA to and from Dubai have been cancelled until Aug 2 amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The flights were earlier cancelled until May 31.
