Singapore Airlines is putting more than S$2 billion, roughly US$1.6 billion, into new long-haul cabins. Every class gets something new, from Economy to a First Class suite where two seats join to make a double bed. In all, 72 long-haul aircraft are covered.

Passengers will have to wait a while. The first new cabins are due in the second half of 2027, and the rollout runs through 2030. It follows Air France’s recently announced €1 billion first-class program, another sign of how hard the world’s big airlines are competing for premium travelers.

S$2 Billion+

About US$1.6 Billion

72 Aircraft

Long-Haul Fleet Covered

H2 2027

First New Cabins in Service

Starlink

Free Wi-Fi From Early 2027

First Class: Two Seats, One Bed

The headline feature is the new First Class suite. On selected aircraft, the two center seats can be joined into a double bed about 203 cm long and 152 cm wide, about the size of a queen mattress. It is aimed squarely at couples and others traveling together on long flights.

The suites also get better bedding and other comfort upgrades.

Business Class Gets Doors

The new Business Class seat turns into a fully flat bed and comes with a sliding privacy door. Several rivals have moved to enclosed suites in recent years, and this brings Singapore Airlines in line with them.

Premium Economy and Economy

Further back, both cabins get refreshed interiors. The airline is also working on better meals, new amenities and a new version of its KrisWorld entertainment system, with a redesigned interface and more content.

Starlink on Board

From early 2027, Singapore Airlines will start fitting Starlink satellite internet to its long-haul and ultra-long-range Airbus A350s and its A380 fleet. The connection is meant to be fast enough for streaming, gaming, social media and work. Wi-Fi will stay free on aircraft that have it, the airline said.

How the Upgrade Unfolds

  • 2024A S$1.1 billion refurbishment of the A350 fleet is announced. The new program builds on it.
  • Early 2027Starlink Wi-Fi starts arriving on A350 and A380 aircraft.
  • H2 2027The first aircraft with the new cabins enter service.
  • Through 2030The rollout continues across refurbished A350-900s and the incoming Boeing 777-9 fleet.

Why It Took Longer

Singapore Airlines had hoped to have the first upgraded A350s flying sooner. Supply-chain problems across the industry and certification of some of the new seats pushed the date back to the second half of 2027.

Paid For in Cash

The airline says it will fund the program from its cash reserves. The spending builds on a separate S$1.1 billion A350 refurbishment it announced in 2024.

The Premium Race

Big international carriers keep spending on private suites and better service at the front of the plane, because that is where travelers are willing to pay more, especially on long routes. For Singapore Airlines, the program is a long-term bet on keeping its place in that market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More than S$2 billion, or about US$1.6 billion.

The first aircraft are due in the second half of 2027. The rollout continues through 2030.

Yes, on selected aircraft. The two center seats combine into a bed roughly 203 cm by 152 cm.

New seats that become fully flat beds, with sliding doors for privacy.

Yes. Both Premium Economy and Economy get refreshed interiors, along with the new KrisWorld system and improved meals.

From early 2027, on its long-haul and ultra-long-range A350s and its A380s.

The airline says Wi-Fi will remain complimentary on Starlink-equipped aircraft.

72 long-haul aircraft, including refurbished Airbus A350-900s and the upcoming Boeing 777-9 fleet.

Industry-wide supply-chain constraints and certification requirements for some of the new seats.

From its own cash reserves. The program also builds on a S$1.1 billion A350 refurbishment announced in 2024.