Singapore Airlines upgrades Australia to all-flatbed business class

Singapore Airlines is giving Australian travellers a generous upgrade, with its entire Down Under fleet to feature lie flat beds in business class from June 2, when the Boeing 737-8 takes off on the Darwin-Singapore route. 

The aircraft replaces the Boeing 737-800, which had been flying thrice-weekly since March. That service will now be boosted to five times per week to meet increased demand. 

In addition to the Boeing 737-8, travellers ducking off to the Lion City will have the choice of the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 – both sporting what’s known as the ‘regional business class’ – or the cocoon-like luxury of the flagship Airbus A380. 

Already flying from Cairns, the Boeing 737-8 is fitted with 10 seats in Business Class – four pairs and two solo thrones offering additional privacy – each kitted out in the sleek Vantage model from Thompson Aero Seating, carefully styled by London’s Factorydesign.

Singapore Airlines 373-8 features 10 seats, including two solo thrones.

Louis Arul, Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific, says the carrier has seen growing demand since Australia’s borders opened in November, with leisure travel showing strong signs of recovery.

“Australia has always been an important part of our global network since we first operated here in 1967, and we are pleased to have not only kept the country connected during the height of the pandemic, but are in a position to support the recovery with increased operations,” Mr Arul adds.

Select A380 business class seats can be converted into a double bed.

“We will continue to remain nimble to ensure Australia remains connected with the right aircraft and schedules that will further support and facilitate the continued growth in travel demand, both to and from Australia.”

Prior to jetting home from Singapore, travellers will be able to enjoy the flagship perks of the SilverKris Business Lounge, along with the newly-refreshed KrisFlyer Gold Lounge.

The airline's all-new flagship First Class lounge and The Private Room at Changi Terminal 3 are also now open.

Both the A350 and 777 have what is known as the 'regional business class'.

Singapore Airlines currently jets off from Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

A newly-retooled schedule, effective from June 2, sees the airline’s total flights between Singapore and the seven Australian ports increased to 113 per week.