First look: new Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 first class suites
By David Flynn, November 2 2017
Singapore Airlines' spacious all-new A380 suites are a clear signal that the airline doesn't intend to be second in the first class stakes.
Having created the private superjumbo suite category almost a decade ago, as the first airline to fly the double-decker Airbus A380, the Star Alliance member designed its second-gen A380 suites with arch-rivals Etihad Airways and Emirates in its sights.
Revealed today at an international media event in Singapore – and due to take wing from December 2017 on flights to Sydney, with London tipped to follow in March 2018 – the apartment-like suites are more than twice the size of their first-gen forebearers.
Granted, there are only six of them instead of the dozen cribs flying on SQ's current superjumbos: a move the airline says reflects softer demand for the super-premium cabin.
Singapore Airlines has also relocated its first class cabin from the superjumbo's main deck to the upper deck, which it shares with the new business class seats to create as 'all-premium deck'.
Inside Singapore Airlines' new A380 first class cabin
The six first class suites flank a wide centre aisle, adopting a similar layout to that pioneered by Etihad's own A380 first class, with high walls to ensure privacy.
Stepping into their L-shaped suite, passengers can relax in an elegant 21-inch wide Poltrona Frau leather armchair.
The recliner is locked into position for taxi, take-off and landing, but the rest of the time swivels and can of course be adjusted for various sitting and lounging positions.
There's a massive 32 inch HD video panel...
... electronically-controlled roller blinds to turn your suite into a cosy cocoon, an under-bench area to stow your carry-on bag, and a personal wardrobe.
Within reach of the recliner is a concealed stowage area containing the airline-supplied Bose noise cancelling headphones and new Lalique amenity kit, along with a pocket for your own knick-knacks plus a small thoughtfully-placed LED-lit mirror.
A wide dinner table extends out from the side console next to the seat.
When it's time for some shut-eye, cabin crew will set up your 76 inch (1.93m) long and 27 inch (68cm) wide bed and voila – your private bedroom is ready.
Flying with your partner and want to share the night? Two pairs of the six suites – specifically suites 1A/2A and 1F/2F – can have their common dividing wall lowered.
Two bathrooms are tucked into the nose of the upper deck, on either side of the staircase.
One is stupendously over-sized, affording plenty of room to change into and out of your supplied Lalique pyjamas, and also boasts a sit-down vanity counter.
A second washroom is of more modest, although still spacious, proportions.
However, while the 5m² footprint of the Singapore Airlines suite is noticeably larger than the 3.6m² of Etihad's superjumbo havens, there's also a sense that this extra space hasn't been fully utilised.
For example, Etihad's bed starts out as a sofa-style ottoman where passengers can relax...
... whereas the SQ suites bed is essentially just that – a fold-down bed.
SQ's suites also lack some of Etihad's luxe appointments such as a personal chilled mini-bar and a 'vanity station' (below).
Singapore Airlines will begin flying its new first class suites daily on the Airbus A380 between Singapore and Sydney (SQ221/SQ232) from December 18 2017, with selected Singapore-London services tipped to follow from March 2018.
David Flynn travelled to Singapore as a guest of Singapore Airlines.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
03 May 2012
Total posts 120
Looks gorgeous, but bed is too short for me, so I will stick with Etihad. A 1.93m bed means, for practical purposes, that you have to be a number of centimetres shorter than that to stretch out. As I am taller than 1.93m, the Etihad bed, or even the Qantas seat, will continue to suit just fine. I just think of all that space that could have been used to make the bed a little longer.
09 Jul 2012
Total posts 25
I'm sure the both the bed and seat will be quite comfortable. But it is rather an understated look is it not? I do like an understated aesthetic; but goodness me! This is just borderline blandness compared to EY. I note how the lavs seem more styled and interesting than the suite itself.
07 Jan 2014
Total posts 42
Pyjamas and amenity kits are by Lalique, not Salvatore Ferragamo.
British Airways - Executive Club
07 Sep 2012
Total posts 47
I thought Lalique makes crystals?
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 262
What does the suite look like without the bed made up?!
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
It looks like the bed may be a permanent feature of the suite, like the old LH B744 seat+bed in F.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Jan 2012
Total posts 172
I saw a photo on another website and it looks like the bed folds up against the wall and so not permanently down.
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
Looks like this is indeed the case; I see the article has been updated to show this.
02 Dec 2016
Total posts 32
So, if the seat-belt sign comes on and you are in bed do you have to get up or is there some kind of safety strap?
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 104
Dear SQ. You may have the most spacious F Class Suite (not incl EY's Apartment), but its still second to Etihad....and one might suspect 3rd after EK comes out with its new F.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Jan 2016
Total posts 59
This is really odd. So a couple travelling together can each eat at their chairs with a double bed between them. If a colleague comes by they can sit on your bed while having a chat. I'm sure the permanent bed will be super comfy, but this could feel like your flying long haul in your admitedly very nice bedroom.
20 Sep 2012
Total posts 76
So we were booked in centre suites Row 3 and received our email today reassigning to 1A/F; but managed to do seat selection 1A/2A.
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
16 Jun 2017
Total posts 35
I like the fact that the bed is available all the time. No conversion required from seat to bed as is the case with the current suites.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Jun 2011
Total posts 88
Can’t quite work out if pax can watch the video screen during takeoff and landing. The one pic shows a video screen but to face it while seated I think you’d need to have your knees removed. In the other pic, no screen...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Sep 2012
Total posts 382
Unbelievable.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jun 2017
Total posts 39
Qantas: New sheets vs this. Keep up the great work qantastar... really keeping up with those premium competitors.
27 Mar 2014
Total posts 39
Can be relied upon to be about 6-10 years behind the cutting edge these days...
27 Mar 2014
Total posts 39
Pity they couldn't stick a shower in there somewhere with only 6 suites....
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
02 Nov 2017
Total posts 6
I wonder how they are going to price this on routes where there is a mix of A380 and 777 (like both Sydney and London)? Even with the existing product it's a big disparity, and I once complained loudly when my A380 was replaced on the day with a 777 and its first seat which is really just a nicer business class. If I booked this and got the 777, I think I'd sue. Having just refurbed the 777s to something where first is still just "business plus" I can't see them now revising them and putting a couple suites like this up the front.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Aug 2017
Total posts 8
I see no mention of a shower in the bathroom?
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
Why would there be a mention of a shower? SQ had already explicitly ruled out showers in F.
16 Feb 2016
Total posts 30
Why invest in a shower that costs in weight for a 5-10m time. I much prefer having a longer shower in transit or on arrival. I think EK may remove them in their upcoming upgrade, although is the extra coverage for the shower gimmock worth more in marketing terms.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
David, I like your diplomatic use of 'share the night.' Very amusing/ witty/ droll.
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