The world’s first carrier to operate the A380 – Singapore Airlines – has taken the passenger experience to a new level with a new cabin being rolled across its entire fleet of iconic double-deck Airbus jet.

The new cabin results from four years of development and an investment by the airline of $850 million, reaffirming its ongoing full commitment to the aircraft type.

“Singapore Airlines set new industry benchmarks for premium full-service travel when we introduced our first A380s in October 2007,” said Marvin Tan, Senior Vice President – Product & Services. “A decade later, we continue to receive highly positive feedback about the travel experience on the aircraft.”

The new cabin products were unveiled yesterday in Singapore with the theme: “Space made personal, experience the difference.” Their service entry is to begin next month with the delivery of the first of five new A380s. Retrofit work will start in late 2018 on 14 aircraft already in service, with all targeted for completion in 2020.

Redefining premium air travel

The New Singapore Airlines A380s will be fitted with 471 seats in four classes, featuring six Suites, 78 Business Class seats and 44 Premium Economy Class seats on the upper deck, along with 343 Economy Class seats on the main deck.

One of the highlights is the redesigned Suite, furnished with a full-flat bed and leather chair – enabling customers to lounge comfortably in the chair or rest in bed without the need to convert the bed from a sitting position. The first two Suites of each aisle can be converted into a double cabin.

In Business Class, the seats measure 25 inches in width and recline into a 78-inch full-flat bed. Arranged in a forward-facing, four-abreast configuration (1-2-1) offering direct access to an aisle. For couple travelling together, the two centre seats can also be combined to form a double sleeping area. The Business Class seats have a thinner carbon fibre composite shell structure that creates more under-seat stowage space.

Premium Economy Class seats are 19.5 inches wide, with eight-inch recline and seat pitch of 38 inches. Other features include full leather finishing, calf-rest and foot-bar for every seat, individual in-seat power supply and more stowage space for personal items.

Economy Class also offers more space with 18.5 inch wide seats and an improved design that provides additional back support and a six-way adjustable headrest with foldable wings. Also incorporated on the seats are an ergonomically-designed footrest with adjustable positions.