Singapore Airlines has postponed the unveiling of its upgraded first and business class cabins on Airbus A350-900 aircraft until the first quarter of 2027, retreating from the original target date in the second quarter of 2026. The adjusted timeline comes as a response to the widespread supply chain issues plaguing the aviation industry, compounded by delays in the approval of one of the new seating designs, as was communicated by a company representative on Wednesday.
The change in the cabins is part of a broader revamp announced by Singapore Airlines in November 2024, a move targeted at rolling out newly designed long-haul products across a fleet of 41 Airbus A350-900 long-distance and extreme long-range aircraft. The new products were declared to be an entirely new innovation, boasting spacious layouts and ergonomics designed to cater to the diverse requirements of the airline’s passengers.
Although the airline has yet to disclose the final designs of the revamped cabin classes, a preview of the new business class product released in 2024 hinted at seats equipped with privacy doors, bearing a resemblance to the Qsuite of Qatar Airways.
Singapore Airlines had previously broadcast an investment of SGD1.1 billion (US$863 million) in this venture, with the refurbishment work delegated to the SIA Engineering Company in Singapore.
Singapore Airlines stated on Wednesday that the refurbished A350-900 aircraft are now predicted to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, pending regulatory approvals. The company pledged to offer an update on the introduction of the upgraded A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft when appropriate.
Upon completion of the renovations, the company plans to equip 34 of the A350-900 long-haul aircraft with 42 business class seats, 24 premium economy seats, and 192 economy seats. The seven A350-900ULR aircraft in the airline’s possession will be arranged with four first-class seats, 70 business class seats, and 58 premium economy seats.
What is the new timeline for the launch of the upgraded seats on Airbus A350-900 aircraft?
The new launching date is set for the first quarter of 2027, a delay from the initial schedule of the second quarter of 2026.
Why has the launch been delayed?
The delay is due to industry-wide supply chain issues and a setback in the certification of one of the new seat designs.
What will the new cabins look like?
Details of the design remain undisclosed, but a teaser of the business class product showed seats with privacy doors, similar to those of Qatar Airways’ Qsuite.
