Singapore Airlines (SIA) recently announced an investment of over $800 million to upgrade the cabins of 41 A-350/900 aircraft, including long-range and Ultra-Long-Range (ULR) versions, in response to growing competition from other Gulf carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates. These airlines have raised their standards in upper and business classes, challenging SIA’s leading position. To meet this challenge, the carrier will spend a total of $1.1 billion (approximately €835 million) to improve its onboard services. The most significant innovation will be the introduction of a luxurious first class cabin on seven of its A-350/900 ULR aircraft, designed to offer an enhanced experience on the world’s most extensive routes.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong highlighted its commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of an ever-evolving customer, thanks also to a six-year collective feedback process. Furthermore, not only first class, but also premium economy and economy cabins will undergo significant improvements.

According to Shukor Yusof of Endau Analytics, a Singapore-based aviation consultancy, this investment is intended to consolidate and strengthen SIA's position as a market reference in global aviation, despite intensifying international competition. Finally, the airline expects the first upgraded aircraft to be operational in the second quarter of 2026 and aims to complete the entire program by 2030.