Singapore Airlines: new A380 first class suites, business class in 2017
By David Flynn, May 21 2015
Singapore Airlines will launch its new Airbus A380 first class suites mid-2017, read our exclusive story for more details
Previous | Singapore Airlines will unveil all-new first class suites and business class seats for its Airbus A380s in 2017.
Speaking at today's launch of its new premium economy class, Singapore Airlines confirmed the new suites and seats would feature in the airline's next raft of superjumbo deliveries.
"We are working hard on a new ground-up first suite and business class product that will be unveiled when we put into service the next batch of A380s which are coming in 2017" said Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial, Mak Swee Wah.
However, Mak wouldn't be drawn on details of the new cabins, including if SQ would add shower suites to the pointy end of the plane.
"I don't know about showers" he told Australian Business Traveller.
"We have to do what is sensible and what the customers want, and come out with product which fits the market segment who wants exclusivity, privacy and comfort, and not just the suite but the whole package."
Update: Singapore Airlines has now confirmed to Australian Business Traveller that its new Airbus A380s will not include first class showers
As for the new A380 business class seats, Singapore Airlines is expected to draw inspiration from the airline's current design for the Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A350s.
"Certainly we won't change just for the sake of change, but it will be superior to what we have now" Mak said of the new A380 business class. "Product development is an ongoing process."
Singapore Airlines kicked off the modern wave of first class suites as the worldwide launch customer of the Airbus 380 in 2007, but faces increased competition from Etihad's revolutionary three-room The Residence on the A380 (below).
Read: Inside Etihad's new Airbus A380 first class suites
Emirates is also working on its own first class suite upgrade, which the airline says will be "more like a private railway cabin."
Read: Emirates first class private bedroom for Airbus A380, Boeing 777
David Flynn visited Singapore as a guest of Singapore Airlines
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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.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Mar 2015
Total posts 54
This is great! Now if only QF could do a bit more work on their a380s
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2013
Total posts 33
Agreed. QF is looking a bit stale. The service levels have impoved but metal is still the same.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Mar 2015
Total posts 54
I quite like Qantas's current product, but when you compare it to airlines like SQ and EY it looks like crap.
04 Jan 2014
Total posts 40
I went on the QF SYD-DFW flight and went F one way and J return. F was ok, but very old fashioned and while plenty of room, when you swing the seat round, the whole set up was tired. In the diner service, my table kept sliding away from me. The FA put some napkins in the runners to slow it movement. Sitting in J was like super size Y. Every one had their space...almost felt like a chook in a battery. Next month BNE to CDG via Dubai with EK. J one way and F back. Be interesting to see the difference. I am advised by friends the EK first suits are very narrow!!
Lufthansa - Miles & More
29 Jul 2014
Total posts 181
Busniess class is lie flat economy so even bloody worse!!!! All of about 0.5 inch width difference between Y and J
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 580
Business is about the length, to be able to lie flat!
QF Platinum
24 Jan 2013
Total posts 138
I wonder if SQ will follow in the footsteps of EY? I'm trying the First Apartments in 3 weeks and if they are as jaw dropping as people say they are, I reckon I'll be flying EY more often to Europe than SQ...
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
17 Apr 2013
Total posts 8
I just did last week. Hard product is hard to beat but I still rate SQ service higher than EY.
Lufthansa - Miles & More
29 Jul 2014
Total posts 181
Who can last time i flew there first class a flight attendent asked me if I wanted my laptop charger because she noticed the red battery bar. It is all flawless with the singapore airlines service
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 580
I must be unlucky. Whilst SQ's service is without doubt very good, I've always found it to be very mechanical. And once someone throws them something that isn't in their scipt they loose the plot somewhat. Must admit most of my flights are regional J so maybe makes a difference.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards Platinum
29 Aug 2014
Total posts 34
One of the reason I fly with VA is because I prefer to fly with SQ for international trips. Only one thing that I miss when I jumped to VA from QF is that QF's Businee and First lounges. VA's domestic lounge sucks..
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