Singapore Airlines invests S$2 billion to refresh First and Business cabins, adds Starlink to Airbus fleet

Airline upgrades and timing

Singapore Airlines is undertaking a major premium cabin overhaul as part of an investment of more than S$2 billion (about $1.6 billion) aimed at keeping the carrier competitive on long-haul routes. The centerpiece of the program is a new suite of first- and business-class seats, entertainment and service upgrades that will begin appearing on Airbus A350 long-haul and ultra-long-range variants in mid-2027. The same products will be introduced on the Boeing 777-9 when those aircraft enter Singapore Airlines' fleet.

First-class customers will get 32-inch 4K high-definition screens, Bang & Olufsen noise-cancelling headphones and new seating configurations that allow adjoining seats to convert into a double bed or enable face-to-face dining for travelling companions. Business-class seats will feature 22-inch 4K screens, wireless charging and Bluetooth audio connectivity.

Minor refreshes are planned across other cabins: premium economy will gain an additional inch of recline, and economy will receive new upholstery. Both economy and premium economy will be fitted with 4K seatback monitors on the incoming 777-9 aircraft, though those improvements will not appear on the current A350 medium-haul variant.

Fleet logistics, connectivity and timing

The decision to introduce the new premium cabins on the A350 was influenced by delays to Boeing's 777-9 deliveries. Boeing disclosed in its third-quarter results that the first 777-9s will not be delivered to customers until 2027, creating uncertainty around the original rollout schedule. Singapore Airlines executives acknowledge the 777-9 program has been long delayed and say the aircraft will not be part of the carrier's fleet in the financial year ending March 2027; the airline hopes deliveries begin in the following financial year.

Separately, Singapore Airlines confirmed earlier plans to install Starlink connectivity on almost all of its Airbus aircraft, excluding the A350 medium-haul variant. The Starlink rollout is slated to start in the first quarter of 2027 and would cover about half of the current fleet.

The product refresh is accompanied by service and lounge investments. The carrier is spending S$130 million to renovate SilverKris lounges and is expanding a so-called end-to-end experience for Suites and First Class customers in Singapore, from concierge services and priority immigration clearance to buggy transfers from the curb. Inflight dining has been updated with new menus and beverage offerings, and premium cabins will receive custom Christofle serviceware. New branded amenity kits were announced for First and Business passengers Sisley for First and BYREDO for Business and, for the first time, sleepwear will be offered to Business Class travellers.

Singapore Airlines' investment and product refresh come as the carrier enjoys industry recognition: it was named the World's Best Airline for 2026 by Skytrax and retained the World's Best Economy Class title, even as it ceded the top spots in Business Class and First Class to Qatar Airways and Air France, respectively.

These upgrades reflect Singapore Airlines' strategy to reinforce its premium positioning and passenger experience while managing fleet timing and supplier delays. With the new cabins, upgraded lounges and expanded onboard connectivity, the airline is targeting a seamless and differentiated end-to-end travel product for high-yield customers.