Singapore Airlines’ ‘dream ticket’ brings a double bed
Plans a S$2bn cabin upgrade featuring a double bed across two first-class seats, with some business-class seats also converting into beds. The airline says the…
Singapore Airlines says its S$2bn cabin upgrade will give first-class passengers a 203cm double bed, with the new cabins due to arrive from the second half of 2027. The airline is targeting wealthy travelers as carriers compete to make premium long-haul travel more luxurious.
The bed spans two adjoining seats and measures 203cm (80in) long and 152cm (60in) wide. Singapore Airlines describes it as the largest double bed in commercial aviation.
What does the Singapore Airlines upgrade include?
The first-class bed will come with a mattress topper from German luxury bedding company Paradies, a duvet and a choice of pillows. Some business-class seats will also convert into a double bed, the airline said.
Curved sliding doors will add privacy, while passengers will get ultra-high-definition 4K touchscreens. Singapore Airlines also plans more legroom and a redesigned storage layout for economy passengers.
Every passenger cabin is due for changes to in-flight entertainment and meal options. The airline also said onboard internet will be provided through Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite company.
The planned improvements reach beyond first class. Economy passengers will get more space for their legs and a new arrangement for personal items, while the entertainment, food and internet changes will extend across the aircraft. That gives the upgrade a broader reach than the headline bed, even as the airline’s most striking feature is aimed at passengers paying for the top cabin.
Why is Singapore Airlines upgrading its cabins?
The investment comes as airlines compete for affluent customers and one-way premium tickets can cost upwards of £10,000. Singapore Airlines was ranked the world’s best overall airline by researcher Skytrax this year, but the company has lost market share to competitors that have spent heavily on cabin improvements.
Rivals have been making their own moves. Emirates launched a fleet-wide $5bn retrofit programme in 2022, including refreshed first-class suites with more space and updated technology. Air France introduced its redesigned la Première first-class cabin this year, describing the experience as akin to a private jet. British Airways is also developing a new first-class cabin for its A380 planes.
Rising fuel prices this year, triggered by the war in the Middle East, have pushed air fares higher. Singapore Airlines has benefited from more passengers traveling between Asia and Europe without connecting through the Gulf, even as the industry faces that cost pressure.
The new Singapore Airlines cabins are scheduled to enter service from the second half of 2027, the company said.
