Singapore Airlines plans reconfig of ultra-long range A350s
What’s in store for the globe-striding jets?
By David Flynn, July 11 2023
Executive Traveller exclusive
Singapore Airlines has a make-over in mind for its ultra-long range Airbus A350 jets which dominate the carrier’s routes to New York and San Francisco.
All six of the A350-900ULR variant – a model flown exclusively by the Star Alliance member – are configured into just two classes, with 67 lie-flat business class seats and 94 premium economy recliners.
It’s not known if the reconfiguration will alter that mix or potentially see the business class seats upgraded to a new design, such as that intended for the delayed Boeing 777-9.
Approached for comment by Executive Traveller, a Singapore Airlines spokesperson said “Singapore Airlines continuously reviews the cabin product offerings across its fleet and cabin classes.”
Singapore Airlines' current A350-900ULR business class.
Singapore Airlines began flying the A350-900ULR series in October 2018 with the return of non-stop flights between Singapore and New York.
However, the business class seat has often been criticised for the angled sleeping position and small footwell, as well as that the seat must be flipped over to become a bed, rather than gradually reclining through several positions.
While Singapore Airlines deliberately chose an ‘all-premium’ configuration for the A350s, Qantas has opted for a conventional four-class layout on its forthcoming ‘Project Sunrise’ A350-1000ULR jets which will tackle 18-20 hour marathon flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York from late 2025.
The Qantas A350 will include six private first class suites, 52 business class suites with sliding doors plus a new take on premium economy and economy, along with a dedicated Wellbeing Zone where travellers can stand, stretch and briefly socialise.
05 May 2016
Total posts 619
There's certainly a challenge in getting a design that appeals to flyers enough that the plane is full most of the time.
Aegean Airlines - Miles & Bonus
16 Jul 2019
Total posts 25
I can understand why these flip over SQ beds are troublesome on flights where sleep is required. I like to sleep and then wake up gradually including eating breakfast in a semi reclined position. I also don't fit in that forced Z position as I'm very tall.
So the sooner SQ adopt a more conventional lie flat seat that doesn't need flipping and allows gradual reclining, the better for me personally.
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
12 Sep 2011
Total posts 328
Absolutely SQ fails constantly with their very poor seating, which is also way to wide, yet not long enough for anyone over 5ft8 Im 6'3
07 Mar 2013
Total posts 31
Agreed...people got so excited about the seat width when they launched the A380 back in the day...it was basically a shapeless bench with zero ergonomics which they ended up having to try and remedy with blocky cushions.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1209
In the medium term, SQ has the option of returning these A359s to a regular long-haul format and acquiring Sunrise A35K ULRs which are better optimised for the ULR routes thus enabling a full 4 class fitout for non-stop routes to JFK and LAX.
UA
09 Mar 2016
Total posts 56
Awfully uncomfortable seat when in bed mode. Not great for just relaxing either. Looks good tho.
16 Nov 2018
Total posts 28
Lie flat yes, lie straight no. Most uncomfortable seat.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Apr 2011
Total posts 18
Perhaps they may revisit the mix of seats and include first class, a small economy section with extra leg room, and possibly a social space to mix/stand/stretch on the long flight.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jul 2017
Total posts 27
I’ve not flown on this seat but it sounds like it makes too many compromises. Nobody likes an angle flat bed. The tight footwells are a nightmare for sleeping if your feet are over a size 6. Don’t know how this seat got approved for service.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 595
It’s not an angled flat bed. It a true full flat bed. The issue is you need to sleep across the bed at an angle to align with the footwell. This means it’s wider at the top and narrow at the feet end.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
15 Feb 2013
Total posts 45
I've always found the current ones uncomfortable. Too much distance between the armrests and either fully flat or bolt upright. But on the other hand excellent for a side sleeper like me.
07 Mar 2022
Total posts 63
SQ are always on top of the game, the only complaint I would make is every seat in the bed position is very hard.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Sep 2012
Total posts 234
My wishlist for the new business class is full flat straight 2m bed with comfortable bedding and privacy sliding doors. As decent as the current seat is (even with the sleeping position issues), a lot of airlines have caught up and surpassed SQ's current offerings. Here's hoping for a great new business class that will eclipse their previous offerings and address all of the issues with the current seats.
05 Mar 2015
Total posts 413
I think this is exactly what we will see, it will be the same business class intended for the 777X but rolled out on the A350ULR, with more space, sliding doors and a proper straight bed. Be great if SQ could also carve out some space on the A350 during the refurb process to make a business class lounge or social area, doesn't have to be an EK-style bar, just somewhere you can go to get out of your seat for a while.
26 Jul 2023
Total posts 1
I disagree with majority of comment here.
I much prefer the 777/a350 business class with flip over seat.
1. It’s wider allows me to roll around a little
2. I personally don’t find sleeping in angle with small foot space bothersome. It’s not like other types are better either.
3. The A380 seat are too narrow and feels like coffin.
My suggestion is get status to book 10A, 11K, 19A and K
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Singapore Airlines plans reconfig of ultra-long range A350s