SIA Unveils $835 Million A-350 Retrofit Plan

Redefining the premium travel experience on its network, Singapore’s national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Monday said that it will invest $835 million in a multi-year programme to install its all-new long-haul cabin products across 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range (ULR) aircraft.

The Airline will introduce a luxurious First Class cabin in its seven A350-900ULR aircraft, setting new industry benchmarks for travel on the world’s longest routes. Designed with increasingly discerning travellers in mind, these plush First Class seats promise to deliver an unparalleled in-flight experience.

Business Class customers can look forward to an elevated travel experience with SIA’s upcoming Business Class seats, featuring innovative designs that will offer even greater levels of privacy, comfort, and convenience in all 41 aircraft.

These A350-900 First Class and Business Class products are designed from the ground up, with a spacious layout and ergonomic elements that cater to every customer’s needs. These are the same seat designs that will feature on SIA’s upcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft.

Premium Economy Class and Economy Class cabins will also be refreshed to enhance the travel experience for customers.

Complementing the cabin products, the next version of SIA’s KrisWorld in-flight entertainment (IFE) system will offer greater personalisation and an extensive range of lifestyle options across all cabin classes. First Class and Business Class seats will also feature new in-flight entertainment screens.

Stakeholders Engaged

SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said that SIA has extensively engaged customers and stakeholders in the design of their next-generation long-haul cabin products over the past six years, anticipating their evolving preferences and expectations down to the finest detail.

He said that the new First Class and Business Class seat designs will incorporate thoughtful elements that push the boundaries of comfort, luxury, and modernity, allowing our customers to relax or work effortlessly on board. Premium Economy Class and Economy Class customers can also look forward to refreshed cabin interiors that enhance their travel experience.

“The investment in retrofitting our 41 A350 aircraft reaffirms Singapore Airlines’ unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience. The introduction of these next-generation seats and KrisWorld system, together with the world-renowned warm and attentive service of our cabin crew, will set new standards in innovation, customer experience, and service excellence,” he added.

The aircraft will be retrofitted by SIA Engineering Company in Singapore. The first retrofitted A350-900 long-haul aircraft is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2026, while the first A350-900ULR variant will follow in the first quarter of 2027. The entire programme is targeted for completion by the end of 2030.

Post-retrofit, the 34 A350-900 long-haul aircraft will be configured with 42 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy Class seats, and 192 Economy Class seats. The seven A350-900ULR variants will feature four First Class seats, 70 Business Class seats, and 58 Premium Economy Class seats. Full details on the entire range of SIA’s forthcoming long-haul First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class cabin products, as well as the latest version of the KrisWorld IFE system, will be revealed closer to the entry into service of SIA’s first Boeing 777-9 and retrofitted A350-900 aircraft, SIA added