Singapore Airlines has pushed back the launch of its next-generation first and business class seats on Airbus A350-900 aircraft to the first quarter of 2027, from the previously scheduled 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,” a spokesperson said on Wednesday, as reported by Channel News Asia.
The cabin overhaul, first announced in November 2024, forms part of the airline’s program to introduce new long-haul cabin products across 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range aircraft.
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A Singapore Airlines aircraft seen at Sydney Airport, Australia. Photo by Unsplash/Troy Mortier |
At the time, Singapore Airlines said the products were being designed from the ground up, featuring spacious layouts and ergonomic elements that “cater to every customer’s needs.”
The airline has not revealed what the refreshed cabin classes would look like but a teaser image of its new business-class product in 2024 showed that the new seats will feature privacy doors, similar to Qatar Airways’ Qsuite, according to The Straits Times.
The airline had earlier announced an investment of SGD1.1 billion (US$863 million) for the program, with retrofit work to be carried out by SIA Engineering Company in Singapore.
On Wednesday, the airline said the retrofitted A350-900 aircraft is now expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
“We will provide an update on the entry-into-service of Singapore Airlines’ retrofitted A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft at the appropriate time,” the airline said.
Following the retrofit, the airline said 34 A350-900 long-haul aircraft will be configured with 42 business class seats, 24 premium economy seats and 192 economy seats.
The airline’s seven A350-900ULR aircraft, meanwhile, will feature four first class seats, 70 business class seats and 58 premium economy seats.
