Service starts on the 18 December on the first of five new A380s on order with Airbus. But the goal is for the airline’s entire A380 fleet to be installed with the new cabin products, including retrofit work on 14 aircraft that are already in service, in which work is expected to begin in the latter half of 2018 with completion set for 2020.
The major rollout, which represents an investment of USD850million, has been years in the making and is aimed at ‘redefining premium air travel’. The new product carries out the theme ‘space made personal, experience the difference’ by offering more space and privacy in all classes.
The new jumbos will be configured in a four-class system featuring six Suites and 78 Business Class seats on the upper deck, whilst the main deck will entertain 44 Premium Economy and 343 Economy seats.
Commenting at the global launch in Singapore, Senior Vice President Product and Services, Mr Marvin Tan commented, “Singapore Airlines set new industry benchmarks for premium full-service travel when we introduced our first A380s in October 2007. A decade later we continue to receive highly positive feedback about the travel experience on the aircraft.”
“The introduction of our all-new cabin products is intended to ensure we retain our product leadership position. The significant investment in the new product and service offerings demonstrates that we are always listening to our customers, and ensuring that we continue to deliver the world’s best travel experience.”
The Six Suites are positioned in the front of the cabin in the upper deck with sliding doors and lavish furnishing and finishes. Each Suite has a separate fully-flat bed and plush leather chair, eliminating the need to transform the seat into a bed.
The first two suites of each aisle can be converted into a double bed – ideal for couples. To make more space within each suite, the bed can be stowed away completely when not in use.
Similarly, the middle Business Class seats can also make a double bed, but the centre divider runs the entire length to create privacy if you’re not travelling as a couple. A unique feature of the Business Class seat is the carbon fibre shell structure, which creates a thinner base creating more space.