Review: Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 regional business class
By David Flynn, March 28 2018
Singapore Airlines aims to revolutionise regional business class with direct aisle access flatbed seats being rolled out on across its Boeing 787-10 fleet and some Airbus A350 jets, but it could prove a tight fit for many passengers.
Singapore Airlines’ regional business class play is magic trick worthy of Houdini.
Gone is the 2-2-2 layout and ‘sloping sleeper’ of SQ’s older jets such as the Airbus A330, for example. All that stale, worn last-gen oldness vanishes in a puff of smoke.
In its place on Boeing 787-10s and some Airbus A350 jets: a modern medium-range seat with long-range pedigree, including a 1-2-1 layout which gives direct aisle access to every passenger…
…and a seat that converts into a fully-flat bed.
Australian Business Traveller took a pew on the delivery flight of Singapore Airlines’ first Boeing 787-10 – a 23 hour journey from Boeing’s Dreamliner factory at South Carolina to Singapore, via Osaka for a fuel stop – to bring you this detailed review.
Designing Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat
Singapore Airlines’ 2018 regional business class seat was created by the airline in conjunction with Stelia Aerospace, using Stelia’s Solstys III platform as a starting point but evolving into an all-new design which Stelia calls the Symphony.
The seat adopts a staggered forward-facing arrangement, with all 36 business class seats in the Boeing 787-10 ranked in two alternating row layouts.
One row layout sees the passengers in seats A and K located directly next to the window, with a wide shelf between them and the aisle.
This is obviously the pick if you really want that window view, but be wary if you’re a ‘passenger of size’ – the narrow gap between the seat in front of you and the shelf next to your seat is a tight 23cm (9 inches).
Almost any average-sized person will find this makes for a squeeze as you do a sideways stomach-sucked-in crab-walk from your seat to the aisle or vice versa.
In this same row, the middle seats (D and F) are next to one another, with each seat’s console between the passenger and the aisle – making for the same narrow passage as mentioned above.
A pneumatic divider panel between these paired middle seats offers privacy if you’re flying solo and not in the mood to be social.
If you’re travelling with your partner, however, feel free to leave the divider down – although it doesn’t disappear completely into the floor, unlike in the middle business class seats of SQ’s Airbus A380…
… so converting both seats into beds means you’re sleeping next to one another rather than with one another.
The second row layout – which alternates with the first – swaps things around.
The ‘window’ passenger is now seated at the aisle, with the shelf between them and the window. Less ideal if you like a view, but far better for accessibility.
The middle seats are also at the aisles, with each seat’s console keeping the passengers well apart – so much so that those seats lack a divider between them.
(Trivia time: in this arrangement the middle seats which are next to one another are sometimes called ‘honeymoon seats’, while those which are further apart are called ‘divorces seats’.)
Passengers sitting directly at the aisle will find the curved seat shell adds a degree of privacy.
My pick would be row 11, the very first row of the business class cabin.
The window seats (11A and 11K) are closest to the aisle, making it easy to get in and out of the seat – plus they have a unique bassinet position which sees the kidlet-capsule set into a very large recess just ahead of each seat.
But if a bassinet isn’t in place (or if you book this seat before a parent does) you'll have a great area for keeping a bag within reach during most of the flight, rather than stowing it away in the overhead bin.
So if you want a ‘corner office’ in SQ’s new regional business class, shoot for 11A or 11K.
And while the middle seats (11D and 11F) are close together in ‘honeymoon’ mode, which may deter solo flyers, there’s much more room (around 38cm, or 15 inches) for getting past the side shelf into the aisle.
Also note that Singapore Airlines hasn’t installed an overhead crew rest in the Boeing 787-10 due to the relatively short flying range, so the centre bins above row 11 remain available for you to use.
The SQ regional business class cheat sheet
If you’re trying to work out which seats have which orientation, here’s the cheat sheet.
Window seats with the passenger seated next to the aisle: 11A and 11K, 14A and 14K, 16A and 16K, 18A and 18K, 20A and 20K.
Window seats with the passenger seated next to the window: 12A and 12K, 15A and 15K, 17A and 17K, 19A and 19K.
Middle seats with passengers seated next to one another and away from the aisle (aka ‘honeymoon’ seats): 11D and 11F, 14D and 14F, 16D and 16F, 18D and 18F, 20D and 20F.
Middle seats with passengers seated away from one another and next to the aisle: 12D and 12F, 15D and 15F, 17D and 17F, 19D and 19F.
Be warned: seats 16A and 16K have no window, only a blank slab of fuselage.
SQ’s squeeze factor
Moving onto the seat itself presents another area where the squeeze factor kicks in.
Each seat is just a nominal 20 inches wide. That’s what an optimist would describe as a snug fit, and it’s noticeably so unless you have a very slim build.
By comparison, SQ’s own premium economy seats average around 19 inches wide, while its conventional business class seats (on the Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 777) range from 25 to 30 inches.
Fortunately you can lower the armrests on both sides to gain around six inches, bringing the edge-to-edge width up to a more comfortable 26 inches.
But the squeeze is real. Sitting in a window-side seat with the armrest raised, my elbow closest to the window was almost jammed between the narrow edge of the armrest and the curved seat shell.
Lowering the armrest provided a little extra wiggle room but even then, when typing on my laptop my elbow was constantly brushing the padded sidewall unless I deliberately moved off-centre to the right side of the seat, at which point my right elbow was nudging the console.
When watching a movie on the seatback video screen the most comfortable position was to cross my arms. That’s far from ideal for a business class seat in which you could spend as many as eight hours, although of course that is the outer limit of this regional seat’s intended range – passengers on shorter hops around Asia may be more forgiving.
All the same, it’s hard to avoid the impression that these seats are a bit too narrow.
A regional business class bed
But if they’re narrow, they’re also long: the seats fold down to a fully-flat bed that’s 1.9 metres (76 inches) from head to heels.
And speaking of heels, there’s ample room in the cubby for your feet…
… and again, row 11 is the pick because of its location up against the bulkhead (rather than dovetailing into and under the seat in front) allows for a super-sized cubby for plus-sized plods.
The inner shell of the seat is covered in soft Alcantara padding with a quilted pattern. This not only provides a cushioning surface to rest your head against, it absorbs sound to reduce the overall levels of cabin noise.
The entire surface of the top of the bed is usable, and the cocoon-like surrounding makes this a great little nest if you need to snooze.
However, several passengers on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight commented to me that the break line in the middle of the bed – where the seat back and base come together – created a noticeable bump which was best remedied by laying the airline-supplied blanket on top of the seat as a makeshift mattress.
A recess beneath the foot cubby area is the ideal place to stow your shoes or a small piece of cabin baggage (such as slim backpacks, laptop cases and handbags).
Also of note: the new business class seat uses a three-point harness for take-off and landing.
When that extra strap isn’t in use it retracts into the seat and hides itself away under a small tongue so you’d never notice it’s there.
Mixing (regional) business and pleasure
Inflight entertainment gets a solid upgrade from the 18 inch HD touchscreen monitor, which is as large any SQ business class screen.
This is paired with a touchscreen handset controller docked in a recess next to the seat.
The monitor can be titled downward for a better viewing angle if you’re lying in bed.
If you decide to get working above the clouds, Singapore Airlines’s new regional business class seat ticks all the technical boxes.
The console next to each seat has a 'cocktail table' that's also useful for temporarily parking your laptop, tablet or work-related documents…
… and behind this, a sliding panel reveals a universal AC socket and two high-power USB ports to fast-charge your tablet or large-screen smartphone.
We tested the AC socket with the large power brickette of a 15 inch MacBook Pro and found this fitted without drama.
A recess next to this power panel contains a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but you can always toss these into the overhead bin to free up some space for your tablet, phone or ebook reader while it’s charging – or just slide in your amenity kit, reading glasses and what-not.
There’s also a concealed mirror fitted into the passenger-facing side of the shelf.
The slide-out table which reveals itself from under the video screen is massive…
… and it’s solidly mounted so there’s minimal bounce while you hammer away at the keyboard.
You can also fold the table back into half and slide it most of the way back in, then perch you laptop on top of it, to make it easy to leave your seat without having to disconnect everything and pack it all away.
However, the curved literature pocket won’t be the ideal place to stow your laptop.
Inflight Singapore Airlines’ Wifi is available on Boeing 787-10 jets with 100MB free for first class, and 30MB free for business class and PPS Club members.
The light touch
Running along the inner edge of the console is a touch-sensitive control strip.
Give it a firm tap to wake it up and you’ll find large illuminated icons for seat adjustments, the call button, an on/off switch for the monitor, overhead and ambient lighting controls and – my personal favourite – the Do Not Disturb button…
… which emblazons your wish for solitude next to your seat number facing the aisle.
Each button press on this control strip is accompanied by a short burst of haptic feedback similar to the gentle vibration of a smartphone’s alert.
While we’re talking about lights, the inner shell of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat boasts a second lighting panel.
This has three LED spot beams angled to illuminate different parts of the seat: one goes almost straight down for when you’re in bed, a second casts down towards your lap where you might be reading a book, and a third shines more towards the tray table.
Each light has three brightness settings, which you cycle through with each tap of the relevant lighting key. A single OFF button immediately extinguishes all three lamps.
Considered design
The overall style and colour scheme of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seats creates a family connection with the airline’s latest Airbus A380 and A350 business class.
The seats are finished in aubergine leather with subtle copper stitching while the pillow contains elements of orange-copper and blue, both of which are drawn from Singapore Airlines’ colour palette.
The cocktail table is clad in a textured satin powder finish while the sliding door opens to reveal a burst of burnished copper.
Gentle patterns weave their way across the seat shell’s various panels in a dusky grey-blue, caramel, blue and bronze with a touch of subtle metallic dusting on some surfaces.
The overall effect gives the 787-10’s business class cabin a premium feel of understated elegance, of high-end without the high-gloss.
Our take on SQ’s new regional business class
Anybody who’s flown in Singapore Airlines’ older regional business class will jump at the chance to fly this new Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350 seat.
And with Singapore Airlines planning a rapid ramp-up of the new jets, there should be plenty of chances.
While I felt that the seat was too narrow for too long a stretch of travel, that has to be taken in the context of this being a regional business class seat. It’s intended for routes as short as 45 minutes through to an average of 3-4 hours and all the way to eight-hour journeys to and from Australia, which are often overnights.
That’s a broad brief for a single seat, and I expect most Singapore Airlines customers will be very happy to see this seat on their next regional flight.
David Flynn travelled on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight 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.
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data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"skier\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/skier"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"127805","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/news\/australian-international-coronavirus-travel-ban-exemptions#comment-127805","post_title":"Who is exempt from Australia's international coronavirus travel ban?","user_id":28283,"username":"IrAu","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"IrAu\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/irau"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"127806","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/is-club-jetstar-worth-it-for-business-travellers#comment-127806","post_title":"Is Club Jetstar worth it for business travellers?","user_id":27802,"username":"regular flyer","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"regular flyer\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/regular-flyer"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"127807","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/qantas-airbus-a380-hibernation#comment-127807","post_title":"How Qantas will hibernate its Airbus A380 for the next three years","user_id":27802,"username":"regular flyer","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"regular flyer\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/regular-flyer"}" ) $countryCode = "US" $isMobile = false $main_class = "reading-list article-page" $layout_kind = "" $item = array( "Article" => array( "id" => "14762", "kind" => "news", "behaviour" => "", "user_id" => "4", "include_bio" => "1", "title" => "Review: Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 regional business class", "stand_first" => null, "body" => "<p><em>Singapore Airlines aims to revolutionise regional business class with direct aisle access flatbed seats being rolled out on across its Boeing 787-10 fleet and some Airbus A350 jets, but it could prove a tight fit for many passengers.</em></p> <p>Singapore Airlines’ regional business class play is magic trick worthy of Houdini.</p> <p>Gone is the 2-2-2 layout and ‘sloping sleeper’ of SQ’s older jets such as the Airbus A330, for example. All that stale, worn last-gen oldness vanishes in a puff of smoke.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaffed9ef446a19f7972dbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-A330-2000-a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>In its place on <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-ramps-up-regional-fleet-with-boeing-787-airbus-350?utm_source=grid" target="_blank">Boeing 787-10s and some Airbus A350 jets</a>: a modern medium-range seat with long-range pedigree, including a 1-2-1 layout which gives direct aisle access to every passenger…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba7882638c408298282feddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-102.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>…and a seat that converts into a fully-flat bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,377/5aba792ee0784ac88cca3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-100.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="377" /></p> <p><em>Australian Business Traveller</em> took a pew on the delivery flight of Singapore Airlines’ first Boeing 787-10 – a 23 hour journey from Boeing’s Dreamliner factory at South Carolina to Singapore, via Osaka for a fuel stop – to bring you this detailed review.</p> <h3>Designing Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat</h3> <p>Singapore Airlines’ 2018 regional business class seat was created by the airline in conjunction with Stelia Aerospace, using Stelia’s Solstys III platform as a starting point but evolving into an all-new design which Stelia calls the Symphony.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba79cd86fc47c09eca3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-101.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>The seat adopts a staggered forward-facing arrangement, with all 36 business class seats in the Boeing 787-10 ranked in two alternating row layouts.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,103/5abaffd8151044d2b39572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-223.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="103" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7a2705bc4cd6b8063312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-233.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>One row layout sees the passengers in seats A and K located directly next to the window, with a wide shelf between them and the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7af5d71843ae83da3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-252.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is obviously the pick if you <em>really</em> want that window view, but be wary if you’re a ‘passenger of size’ – the narrow gap between the seat in front of you and the shelf next to your seat is a tight 23cm (9 inches).</p> <p>Almost any average-sized person will find this makes for a squeeze as you do a sideways stomach-sucked-in crab-walk from your seat to the aisle or vice versa.</p> <p>In this same row, the middle seats (D and F) are next to one another, with each seat’s console between the passenger and the aisle – making for the same narrow passage as mentioned above.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7b7611d448bcafb5330cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-245.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>A pneumatic divider panel between these paired middle seats offers privacy if you’re flying solo and not in the mood to be social.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c179c384be5a83f3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-8.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you’re travelling with your partner, however, feel free to leave the divider down – although it doesn’t disappear completely into the floor, unlike in the middle business class seats of SQ’s Airbus A380…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c8e0ab04fcb89053310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-6.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… so converting both seats into beds means you’re sleeping <em>next to</em> one another rather than <em>with</em> one another.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7cea81f84c59a7ec3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-9.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The <em>second</em> row layout – which alternates with the first – swaps things around.</p> <p>The ‘window’ passenger is now seated at the aisle, with the shelf between them and the window. Less ideal if you like a view, but far better for accessibility.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7d3aef90463891833310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-38.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The middle seats are also at the aisles, with each seat’s console keeping the passengers well apart – so much so that those seats lack a divider between them.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87513ab84d25ae7b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-2.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>(Trivia time: in this arrangement the middle seats which are next to one another are sometimes called ‘honeymoon seats’, while those which are further apart are called ‘divorces seats’.)</p> <p>Passengers sitting directly at the aisle will find the curved seat shell adds a degree of privacy.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87c230e04ab09bcb3a1cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-213.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>My pick would be row 11, the very first row of the business class cabin.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba88161f9c49828a203a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-214.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The window seats (11A and 11K) are closest to the aisle, making it easy to get in and out of the seat – plus they have a unique bassinet position which sees the kidlet-capsule set into a very large recess just ahead of each seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8916a7b0409eae173a1ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8fdccb2843e4b49b3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But if a bassinet isn’t in place (or if you book this seat before a parent does) you'll have a great area for keeping a bag within reach during most of the flight, rather than stowing it away in the overhead bin. </p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b3b484415aaea3cfbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b77c848a2aecb3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13d.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>So if you want a ‘corner office’ in SQ’s new regional business class, shoot for 11A or 11K.</p> <p>And while the middle seats (11D and 11F) are close together in ‘honeymoon’ mode, which may deter solo flyers, there’s much more room (around 38cm, or 15 inches) for getting past the side shelf into the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff7f33404a70a81572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-10.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also note that Singapore Airlines hasn’t installed an overhead crew rest in the Boeing 787-10 due to the relatively short flying range, so the centre bins above row 11 remain available for you to use.</p> <h3>The SQ regional business class cheat sheet</h3> <p>If you’re trying to work out which seats have which orientation, here’s the cheat sheet.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,622/5acae245dab0430a805a1c7ddd799463-sqb787seatmap.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="622" /></p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the aisle: 11A and 11K, 14A and 14K, 16A and 16K, 18A and 18K, 20A and 20K.</p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the window: 12A and 12K, 15A and 15K, 17A and 17K, 19A and 19K.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated next to one another and away from the aisle (aka ‘honeymoon’ seats): 11D and 11F, 14D and 14F, 16D and 16F, 18D and 18F, 20D and 20F.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated away from one another and next to the aisle: 12D and 12F, 15D and 15F, 17D and 17F, 19D and 19F.</p> <p>Be warned: seats 16A and 16K have no window, only a blank slab of fuselage.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8b27d5a84907b7613a1fdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-262.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>SQ’s squeeze factor</h3> <p>Moving onto the seat itself presents another area where the squeeze factor kicks in.</p> <p>Each seat is just a nominal 20 inches wide. That’s what an optimist would describe as a snug fit, and it’s noticeably so unless you have a very slim build.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba85975e284623b69b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-35.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>By comparison, SQ’s own premium economy seats average around 19 inches wide, while its conventional business class seats (on the Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 777) range from 25 to 30 inches.</p> <p>Fortunately you can lower the armrests on both sides to gain around six inches, bringing the edge-to-edge width up to a more comfortable 26 inches.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba84d62888488fa1c93887dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-34.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But the squeeze is real. Sitting in a window-side seat with the armrest raised, my elbow closest to the window was almost jammed between the narrow edge of the armrest and the curved seat shell.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba864f04404f97aabd37e8dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8640978446f790ca3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Lowering the armrest provided a little extra wiggle room but even then, when typing on my laptop my elbow was constantly brushing the padded sidewall unless I deliberately moved off-centre to the right side of the seat, at which point my right elbow was nudging the console.</p> <p>When watching a movie on the seatback video screen the most comfortable position was to cross my arms. That’s far from ideal for a business class seat in which you could spend as many as eight hours, although of course that is the outer limit of this regional seat’s intended range – passengers on shorter hops around Asia may be more forgiving.</p> <p>All the same, it’s hard to avoid the impression that these seats are a bit too narrow.</p> <h3>A regional business class bed</h3> <p>But if they’re narrow, they’re also <em>long</em>: the seats fold down to a fully-flat bed that’s 1.9 metres (76 inches) from head to heels.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8d6802f44357b85b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-23.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>And speaking of heels, there’s ample room in the cubby for your feet…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e2bc6244a878f4a3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-505.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e26fb7c4e9f9f633a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-50.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and again, row 11 is the pick because of its location up against the bulkhead (rather than dovetailing into and under the seat in front) allows for a super-sized cubby for plus-sized plods.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8ebe9cec471e9b7e3ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-510b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The inner shell of the seat is covered in soft Alcantara padding with a quilted pattern. This not only provides a cushioning surface to rest your head against, it absorbs sound to reduce the overall levels of cabin noise.</p> <p>The entire surface of the top of the bed is usable, and the cocoon-like surrounding makes this a great little nest if you need to snooze.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fc84c4d66bf8472d4dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-33.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fddec4225985272c6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-32.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, several passengers on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight commented to me that the break line in the middle of the bed – where the seat back and base come together – created a noticeable bump which was best remedied by laying the airline-supplied blanket on top of the seat as a makeshift mattress.</p> <p>A recess beneath the foot cubby area is the ideal place to stow your shoes or a small piece of cabin baggage (such as slim backpacks, laptop cases and handbags).</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf11d843a892143ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-503.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf35084ab7ab7c3a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-502.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also of note: the new business class seat uses a three-point harness for take-off and landing.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe74c9a046e6bb2f72bedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>When that extra strap isn’t in use it retracts into the seat and hides itself away under a small tongue so you’d never notice it’s there.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe42cff446069b2b72e6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>Mixing (regional) business and pleasure</h3> <p>Inflight entertainment gets a solid upgrade from the 18 inch HD touchscreen monitor, which is as large any SQ business class screen.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9333fe5c4ee1bb614048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-31.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is paired with a touchscreen handset controller docked in a recess next to the seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba94217e604d9aa7ae4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-301.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The monitor can be titled downward for a better viewing angle if you’re lying in bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c0ebb204202908c3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c1256304eb38e703a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you decide to get working above the clouds, Singapore Airlines’s new regional business class seat ticks all the technical boxes.</p> <p>The console next to each seat has a 'cocktail table' that's also useful for temporarily parking your laptop, tablet or work-related documents…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba91214ac04baebac74001dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-224.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and behind this, a sliding panel reveals a universal AC socket and two high-power USB ports to fast-charge your tablet or large-screen smartphone.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9236bc4c4a2786263a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-226.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba924d8e2c4ecaafeb4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-227.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>We tested the AC socket with the large power brickette of a 15 inch MacBook Pro and found this fitted without drama.</p> <p>A recess next to this power panel contains a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but you can always toss these into the overhead bin to free up some space for your tablet, phone or ebook reader while it’s charging – or just slide in your amenity kit, reading glasses and what-not.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba82df418843529be537e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-303.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>There’s also a concealed mirror fitted into the passenger-facing side of the shelf.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8385e0344ca6a48637e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafdd08a504a7b8fd472d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The slide-out table which reveals itself from under the video screen is <em>massive</em>…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8457a2bc4b6997c437e3dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-222.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba846464c84055a72a37e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-220.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba845abf5c4fa48fc237e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-219.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and it’s solidly mounted so there’s minimal bounce while you hammer away at the keyboard.</p> <p>You can also fold the table back into half and slide it most of the way back in, then perch you laptop on top of it, to make it easy to leave your seat without having to disconnect everything and pack it all away.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba820e6a604c088e4837dedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-304.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, the curved literature pocket won’t be the ideal place to stow your laptop.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba814403f443cb904e35c0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-507.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Inflight <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-now-offers-free-wifi-in-first-business-class" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines’ Wifi</a> is available on Boeing 787-10 jets with 100MB free for first class, and 30MB free for business class and PPS Club members.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,263/5aba80c60a644648a386367cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-401.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="263" /></p> <h3>The light touch</h3> <p>Running along the inner edge of the console is a touch-sensitive control strip.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba90a2e5bc451688eb3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-30a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Give it a firm tap to wake it up and you’ll find large illuminated icons for seat adjustments, the call button, an on/off switch for the monitor, overhead and ambient lighting controls and – my personal favourite – the Do Not Disturb button…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7fe6ef704868bfdb3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… which emblazons your wish for solitude next to your seat number facing the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7ff549404a97ae30367ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each button press on this control strip is accompanied by a short burst of haptic feedback similar to the gentle vibration of a smartphone’s alert.</p> <p>While we’re talking about lights, the inner shell of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat boasts a second lighting panel.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafd14c034474091f56e80dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This has three LED spot beams angled to illuminate different parts of the seat: one goes almost straight down for when you’re in bed, a second casts down towards your lap where you might be reading a book, and a third shines more towards the tray table.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafce8b0144de6be086dd2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each light has three brightness settings, which you cycle through with each tap of the relevant lighting key. A single OFF button immediately extinguishes all three lamps.</p> <h3>Considered design</h3> <p>The overall style and colour scheme of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seats creates a family connection with the airline’s latest Airbus A380 and A350 business class.</p> <p>The seats are finished in aubergine leather with subtle copper stitching while the pillow contains elements of orange-copper and blue, both of which are drawn from Singapore Airlines’ colour palette.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f30df544125b33d35bcdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-40.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f41dac0443f9d7e3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-508a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The cocktail table is clad in a textured satin powder finish while the sliding door opens to reveal a burst of burnished copper.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7e02f15c49f985aa330edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-21.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Gentle patterns weave their way across the seat shell’s various panels in a dusky grey-blue, caramel, blue and bronze with a touch of subtle metallic dusting on some surfaces.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7db1fb4047e1aa3d3308dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-257.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The overall effect gives the 787-10’s business class cabin a premium feel of understated elegance, of high-end without the high-gloss.</p> <h3>Our take on SQ’s new regional business class</h3> <p>Anybody who’s flown in Singapore Airlines’ older regional business class will jump at the chance to fly this new Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350 seat.</p> <p>And with Singapore Airlines planning a rapid ramp-up of the new jets, there should be plenty of chances.</p> <p>While I felt that the seat was too narrow for too long a stretch of travel, that has to be taken in the context of this being a <em>regional</em> business class seat. It’s intended for routes as short as 45 minutes through to an average of 3-4 hours and all the way to eight-hour journeys to and from Australia, which are often overnights.</p> <p>That’s a broad brief for a single seat, and I expect most Singapore Airlines customers will be very happy to see this seat on their next regional flight.</p> <p><em>David Flynn travelled on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight as a guest of Singapore Airlines</em></p>", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "comment_thread_id" => "15975", "show_comments" => "1", "is_must_read" => "0", "show_deal" => "0", "show_deal_right" => "0", "show_deal_bottom" => "0", "hide_promos" => "0", "hide_reading_list" => "0", "show_pull_quote" => null, "is_published" => "1", "is_sponsored" => "0", "show_related" => "1", "published" => "2018-03-28 13:30:00", "created" => "2018-03-27 10:46:55", "updated" => "2019-06-18 06:59:35", "page_title" => "", "short_title" => "Review: SQ's new regional business class", "syndicated_url" => null, "syndicated_title" => null, "num_views" => "96097", "city_id" => "0", "tags" => "singapore airlines, business class, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350", "category" => "Airline", "featured" => "Home Page, Landing Page" ), "User" => array( "id" => "4", "username" => "David", "password" => "*****", "author_link" => "david", "facebook_id" => null, "avatar" => "", "state" => "Y", "activation_code" => null, "activation_return_url" => "/", "last_interaction_notification" => "2015-07-17 11:44:51", "last_watching_notification" => "2015-03-12 19:26:44", "parent_account" => "0", "is_club_member" => "0", "created" => "2010-10-24 16:55:49", "modified" => "2019-10-03 11:39:59", "UserField" => array(), "BioPhoto" => array() ), "CommentThread" => array( "id" => "15975", "comment_count" => 23 ), "Photo" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "Tag" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "main_photo" => array( "id" => "81458", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "caption" => "", "attribution" => "", "sponsored_caption" => null, "filename" => "5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg", "user_id" => "25489", "featured" => "1", "order" => "1", "is_inline" => "0", "created" => "2018-03-28 13:39:20", "updated" => "2019-06-18 06:59:28", "deleted" => "0", "width" => "920", "height" => "520", "filesize" => "269836", "kind" => null, "original_url" => null, "dynamic_url" => null, "remote_filename" => null ), "comments" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "polls" => array(), "completePolls" => null, "tag_arr" => array( "singapore airlines", "business class", "Boeing 787 Dreamliner", "Airbus A350" ), "isLifestyle" => false, "text_link" => array( "TextLink" => array(), "Photo" => array() ), "ad_tag" => false ) $pageStartTime = 1594182711.408 $main_photo = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg" $srcsetPhoto = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:480,270/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 480w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:720,405/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 720w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:960,540/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 960w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 1200w" $sponsored_caption = "" $width = 1200 $title = "Review: Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 regional business class" $desc = "<p><em>Singapore Airlines aims to revolutionise regional business class with direct aisle access flatbed seats being rolled out on across its Boeing 787-10 fleet and some Airbus A350 jets, but it could prove a tight fit for many passengers.</em></p> <p>Singapore Airlines’ regional business class play is magic trick worthy of Houdini.</p> <p>Gone is the 2-2-2 layout and ‘sloping sleeper’ of SQ’s older jets such as the Airbus A330, for example. All that stale, worn last-gen oldness vanishes in a puff of smoke.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaffed9ef446a19f7972dbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-A330-2000-a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>In its place on <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-ramps-up-regional-fleet-with-boeing-787-airbus-350?utm_source=grid" target="_blank">Boeing 787-10s and some Airbus A350 jets</a>: a modern medium-range seat with long-range pedigree, including a 1-2-1 layout which gives direct aisle access to every passenger…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba7882638c408298282feddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-102.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>…and a seat that converts into a fully-flat bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,377/5aba792ee0784ac88cca3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-100.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="377" /></p> <p><em>Australian Business Traveller</em> took a pew on the delivery flight of Singapore Airlines’ first Boeing 787-10 – a 23 hour journey from Boeing’s Dreamliner factory at South Carolina to Singapore, via Osaka for a fuel stop – to bring you this detailed review.</p> <h3>Designing Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat</h3> <p>Singapore Airlines’ 2018 regional business class seat was created by the airline in conjunction with Stelia Aerospace, using Stelia’s Solstys III platform as a starting point but evolving into an all-new design which Stelia calls the Symphony.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba79cd86fc47c09eca3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-101.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>The seat adopts a staggered forward-facing arrangement, with all 36 business class seats in the Boeing 787-10 ranked in two alternating row layouts.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,103/5abaffd8151044d2b39572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-223.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="103" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7a2705bc4cd6b8063312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-233.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>One row layout sees the passengers in seats A and K located directly next to the window, with a wide shelf between them and the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7af5d71843ae83da3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-252.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is obviously the pick if you <em>really</em> want that window view, but be wary if you’re a ‘passenger of size’ – the narrow gap between the seat in front of you and the shelf next to your seat is a tight 23cm (9 inches).</p> <p>Almost any average-sized person will find this makes for a squeeze as you do a sideways stomach-sucked-in crab-walk from your seat to the aisle or vice versa.</p> <p>In this same row, the middle seats (D and F) are next to one another, with each seat’s console between the passenger and the aisle – making for the same narrow passage as mentioned above.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7b7611d448bcafb5330cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-245.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>A pneumatic divider panel between these paired middle seats offers privacy if you’re flying solo and not in the mood to be social.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c179c384be5a83f3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-8.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you’re travelling with your partner, however, feel free to leave the divider down – although it doesn’t disappear completely into the floor, unlike in the middle business class seats of SQ’s Airbus A380…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c8e0ab04fcb89053310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-6.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… so converting both seats into beds means you’re sleeping <em>next to</em> one another rather than <em>with</em> one another.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7cea81f84c59a7ec3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-9.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The <em>second</em> row layout – which alternates with the first – swaps things around.</p> <p>The ‘window’ passenger is now seated at the aisle, with the shelf between them and the window. Less ideal if you like a view, but far better for accessibility.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7d3aef90463891833310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-38.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The middle seats are also at the aisles, with each seat’s console keeping the passengers well apart – so much so that those seats lack a divider between them.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87513ab84d25ae7b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-2.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>(Trivia time: in this arrangement the middle seats which are next to one another are sometimes called ‘honeymoon seats’, while those which are further apart are called ‘divorces seats’.)</p> <p>Passengers sitting directly at the aisle will find the curved seat shell adds a degree of privacy.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87c230e04ab09bcb3a1cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-213.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>My pick would be row 11, the very first row of the business class cabin.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba88161f9c49828a203a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-214.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The window seats (11A and 11K) are closest to the aisle, making it easy to get in and out of the seat – plus they have a unique bassinet position which sees the kidlet-capsule set into a very large recess just ahead of each seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8916a7b0409eae173a1ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8fdccb2843e4b49b3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But if a bassinet isn’t in place (or if you book this seat before a parent does) you'll have a great area for keeping a bag within reach during most of the flight, rather than stowing it away in the overhead bin. </p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b3b484415aaea3cfbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b77c848a2aecb3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13d.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>So if you want a ‘corner office’ in SQ’s new regional business class, shoot for 11A or 11K.</p> <p>And while the middle seats (11D and 11F) are close together in ‘honeymoon’ mode, which may deter solo flyers, there’s much more room (around 38cm, or 15 inches) for getting past the side shelf into the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff7f33404a70a81572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-10.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also note that Singapore Airlines hasn’t installed an overhead crew rest in the Boeing 787-10 due to the relatively short flying range, so the centre bins above row 11 remain available for you to use.</p> <h3>The SQ regional business class cheat sheet</h3> <p>If you’re trying to work out which seats have which orientation, here’s the cheat sheet.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,622/5acae245dab0430a805a1c7ddd799463-sqb787seatmap.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="622" /></p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the aisle: 11A and 11K, 14A and 14K, 16A and 16K, 18A and 18K, 20A and 20K.</p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the window: 12A and 12K, 15A and 15K, 17A and 17K, 19A and 19K.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated next to one another and away from the aisle (aka ‘honeymoon’ seats): 11D and 11F, 14D and 14F, 16D and 16F, 18D and 18F, 20D and 20F.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated away from one another and next to the aisle: 12D and 12F, 15D and 15F, 17D and 17F, 19D and 19F.</p> <p>Be warned: seats 16A and 16K have no window, only a blank slab of fuselage.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8b27d5a84907b7613a1fdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-262.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>SQ’s squeeze factor</h3> <p>Moving onto the seat itself presents another area where the squeeze factor kicks in.</p> <p>Each seat is just a nominal 20 inches wide. That’s what an optimist would describe as a snug fit, and it’s noticeably so unless you have a very slim build.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba85975e284623b69b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-35.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>By comparison, SQ’s own premium economy seats average around 19 inches wide, while its conventional business class seats (on the Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 777) range from 25 to 30 inches.</p> <p>Fortunately you can lower the armrests on both sides to gain around six inches, bringing the edge-to-edge width up to a more comfortable 26 inches.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba84d62888488fa1c93887dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-34.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But the squeeze is real. Sitting in a window-side seat with the armrest raised, my elbow closest to the window was almost jammed between the narrow edge of the armrest and the curved seat shell.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba864f04404f97aabd37e8dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8640978446f790ca3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Lowering the armrest provided a little extra wiggle room but even then, when typing on my laptop my elbow was constantly brushing the padded sidewall unless I deliberately moved off-centre to the right side of the seat, at which point my right elbow was nudging the console.</p> <p>When watching a movie on the seatback video screen the most comfortable position was to cross my arms. That’s far from ideal for a business class seat in which you could spend as many as eight hours, although of course that is the outer limit of this regional seat’s intended range – passengers on shorter hops around Asia may be more forgiving.</p> <p>All the same, it’s hard to avoid the impression that these seats are a bit too narrow.</p> <h3>A regional business class bed</h3> <p>But if they’re narrow, they’re also <em>long</em>: the seats fold down to a fully-flat bed that’s 1.9 metres (76 inches) from head to heels.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8d6802f44357b85b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-23.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>And speaking of heels, there’s ample room in the cubby for your feet…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e2bc6244a878f4a3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-505.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e26fb7c4e9f9f633a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-50.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and again, row 11 is the pick because of its location up against the bulkhead (rather than dovetailing into and under the seat in front) allows for a super-sized cubby for plus-sized plods.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8ebe9cec471e9b7e3ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-510b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The inner shell of the seat is covered in soft Alcantara padding with a quilted pattern. This not only provides a cushioning surface to rest your head against, it absorbs sound to reduce the overall levels of cabin noise.</p> <p>The entire surface of the top of the bed is usable, and the cocoon-like surrounding makes this a great little nest if you need to snooze.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fc84c4d66bf8472d4dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-33.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fddec4225985272c6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-32.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, several passengers on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight commented to me that the break line in the middle of the bed – where the seat back and base come together – created a noticeable bump which was best remedied by laying the airline-supplied blanket on top of the seat as a makeshift mattress.</p> <p>A recess beneath the foot cubby area is the ideal place to stow your shoes or a small piece of cabin baggage (such as slim backpacks, laptop cases and handbags).</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf11d843a892143ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-503.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf35084ab7ab7c3a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-502.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also of note: the new business class seat uses a three-point harness for take-off and landing.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe74c9a046e6bb2f72bedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>When that extra strap isn’t in use it retracts into the seat and hides itself away under a small tongue so you’d never notice it’s there.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe42cff446069b2b72e6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>Mixing (regional) business and pleasure</h3> <p>Inflight entertainment gets a solid upgrade from the 18 inch HD touchscreen monitor, which is as large any SQ business class screen.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9333fe5c4ee1bb614048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-31.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is paired with a touchscreen handset controller docked in a recess next to the seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba94217e604d9aa7ae4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-301.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The monitor can be titled downward for a better viewing angle if you’re lying in bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c0ebb204202908c3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c1256304eb38e703a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you decide to get working above the clouds, Singapore Airlines’s new regional business class seat ticks all the technical boxes.</p> <p>The console next to each seat has a 'cocktail table' that's also useful for temporarily parking your laptop, tablet or work-related documents…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba91214ac04baebac74001dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-224.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and behind this, a sliding panel reveals a universal AC socket and two high-power USB ports to fast-charge your tablet or large-screen smartphone.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9236bc4c4a2786263a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-226.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba924d8e2c4ecaafeb4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-227.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>We tested the AC socket with the large power brickette of a 15 inch MacBook Pro and found this fitted without drama.</p> <p>A recess next to this power panel contains a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but you can always toss these into the overhead bin to free up some space for your tablet, phone or ebook reader while it’s charging – or just slide in your amenity kit, reading glasses and what-not.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba82df418843529be537e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-303.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>There’s also a concealed mirror fitted into the passenger-facing side of the shelf.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8385e0344ca6a48637e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafdd08a504a7b8fd472d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The slide-out table which reveals itself from under the video screen is <em>massive</em>…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8457a2bc4b6997c437e3dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-222.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba846464c84055a72a37e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-220.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba845abf5c4fa48fc237e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-219.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and it’s solidly mounted so there’s minimal bounce while you hammer away at the keyboard.</p> <p>You can also fold the table back into half and slide it most of the way back in, then perch you laptop on top of it, to make it easy to leave your seat without having to disconnect everything and pack it all away.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba820e6a604c088e4837dedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-304.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, the curved literature pocket won’t be the ideal place to stow your laptop.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba814403f443cb904e35c0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-507.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Inflight <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-now-offers-free-wifi-in-first-business-class" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines’ Wifi</a> is available on Boeing 787-10 jets with 100MB free for first class, and 30MB free for business class and PPS Club members.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,263/5aba80c60a644648a386367cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-401.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="263" /></p> <h3>The light touch</h3> <p>Running along the inner edge of the console is a touch-sensitive control strip.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba90a2e5bc451688eb3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-30a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Give it a firm tap to wake it up and you’ll find large illuminated icons for seat adjustments, the call button, an on/off switch for the monitor, overhead and ambient lighting controls and – my personal favourite – the Do Not Disturb button…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7fe6ef704868bfdb3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… which emblazons your wish for solitude next to your seat number facing the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7ff549404a97ae30367ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each button press on this control strip is accompanied by a short burst of haptic feedback similar to the gentle vibration of a smartphone’s alert.</p> <p>While we’re talking about lights, the inner shell of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat boasts a second lighting panel.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafd14c034474091f56e80dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This has three LED spot beams angled to illuminate different parts of the seat: one goes almost straight down for when you’re in bed, a second casts down towards your lap where you might be reading a book, and a third shines more towards the tray table.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafce8b0144de6be086dd2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each light has three brightness settings, which you cycle through with each tap of the relevant lighting key. A single OFF button immediately extinguishes all three lamps.</p> <h3>Considered design</h3> <p>The overall style and colour scheme of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seats creates a family connection with the airline’s latest Airbus A380 and A350 business class.</p> <p>The seats are finished in aubergine leather with subtle copper stitching while the pillow contains elements of orange-copper and blue, both of which are drawn from Singapore Airlines’ colour palette.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f30df544125b33d35bcdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-40.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f41dac0443f9d7e3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-508a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The cocktail table is clad in a textured satin powder finish while the sliding door opens to reveal a burst of burnished copper.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7e02f15c49f985aa330edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-21.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Gentle patterns weave their way across the seat shell’s various panels in a dusky grey-blue, caramel, blue and bronze with a touch of subtle metallic dusting on some surfaces.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7db1fb4047e1aa3d3308dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-257.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The overall effect gives the 787-10’s business class cabin a premium feel of understated elegance, of high-end without the high-gloss.</p> <h3>Our take on SQ’s new regional business class</h3> <p>Anybody who’s flown in Singapore Airlines’ older regional business class will jump at the chance to fly this new Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350 seat.</p> <p>And with Singapore Airlines planning a rapid ramp-up of the new jets, there should be plenty of chances.</p> <p>While I felt that the seat was too narrow for too long a stretch of travel, that has to be taken in the context of this being a <em>regional</em> business class seat. It’s intended for routes as short as 45 minutes through to an average of 3-4 hours and all the way to eight-hour journeys to and from Australia, which are often overnights.</p> <p>That’s a broad brief for a single seat, and I expect most Singapore Airlines customers will be very happy to see this seat on their next regional flight.</p> <p><em>David Flynn travelled on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight as a guest of Singapore Airlines</em></p>" $url = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/review-singapore-airlines-boeing-787-10-regional-business-class" $type = "NewsArticle" $comment_count = "36 Comments" $linkToProfile = trueinclude - APP/views/news/view.ctp, line 216 View::_render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 736 View::render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 431 Controller::render() - CORE/cake/libs/controller/controller.php, line 909 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 208 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 172 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 92
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class with direct aisle access flatbed seats being rolled out on across its Boeing 787-10 fleet and some Airbus A350 jets, but it could prove a tight fit for many passengers.</em></p> <p>Singapore Airlines’ regional business class play is magic trick worthy of Houdini.</p> <p>Gone is the 2-2-2 layout and ‘sloping sleeper’ of SQ’s older jets such as the Airbus A330, for example. All that stale, worn last-gen oldness vanishes in a puff of smoke.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaffed9ef446a19f7972dbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-A330-2000-a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>In its place on <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-ramps-up-regional-fleet-with-boeing-787-airbus-350?utm_source=grid" target="_blank">Boeing 787-10s and some Airbus A350 jets</a>: a modern medium-range seat with long-range pedigree, including a 1-2-1 layout which gives direct aisle access to every passenger…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba7882638c408298282feddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-102.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>…and a seat that converts into a fully-flat bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,377/5aba792ee0784ac88cca3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-100.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="377" /></p> <p><em>Australian Business Traveller</em> took a pew on the delivery flight of Singapore Airlines’ first Boeing 787-10 – a 23 hour journey from Boeing’s Dreamliner factory at South Carolina to Singapore, via Osaka for a fuel stop – to bring you this detailed review.</p> <h3>Designing Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat</h3> <p>Singapore Airlines’ 2018 regional business class seat was created by the airline in conjunction with Stelia Aerospace, using Stelia’s Solstys III platform as a starting point but evolving into an all-new design which Stelia calls the Symphony.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba79cd86fc47c09eca3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-101.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>The seat adopts a staggered forward-facing arrangement, with all 36 business class seats in the Boeing 787-10 ranked in two alternating row layouts.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,103/5abaffd8151044d2b39572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-223.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="103" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7a2705bc4cd6b8063312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-233.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>One row layout sees the passengers in seats A and K located directly next to the window, with a wide shelf between them and the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7af5d71843ae83da3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-252.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is obviously the pick if you <em>really</em> want that window view, but be wary if you’re a ‘passenger of size’ – the narrow gap between the seat in front of you and the shelf next to your seat is a tight 23cm (9 inches).</p> <p>Almost any average-sized person will find this makes for a squeeze as you do a sideways stomach-sucked-in crab-walk from your seat to the aisle or vice versa.</p> <p>In this same row, the middle seats (D and F) are next to one another, with each seat’s console between the passenger and the aisle – making for the same narrow passage as mentioned above.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7b7611d448bcafb5330cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-245.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>A pneumatic divider panel between these paired middle seats offers privacy if you’re flying solo and not in the mood to be social.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c179c384be5a83f3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-8.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you’re travelling with your partner, however, feel free to leave the divider down – although it doesn’t disappear completely into the floor, unlike in the middle business class seats of SQ’s Airbus A380…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c8e0ab04fcb89053310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-6.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… so converting both seats into beds means you’re sleeping <em>next to</em> one another rather than <em>with</em> one another.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7cea81f84c59a7ec3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-9.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The <em>second</em> row layout – which alternates with the first – swaps things around.</p> <p>The ‘window’ passenger is now seated at the aisle, with the shelf between them and the window. Less ideal if you like a view, but far better for accessibility.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7d3aef90463891833310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-38.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The middle seats are also at the aisles, with each seat’s console keeping the passengers well apart – so much so that those seats lack a divider between them.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87513ab84d25ae7b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-2.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>(Trivia time: in this arrangement the middle seats which are next to one another are sometimes called ‘honeymoon seats’, while those which are further apart are called ‘divorces seats’.)</p> <p>Passengers sitting directly at the aisle will find the curved seat shell adds a degree of privacy.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87c230e04ab09bcb3a1cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-213.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>My pick would be row 11, the very first row of the business class cabin.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba88161f9c49828a203a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-214.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The window seats (11A and 11K) are closest to the aisle, making it easy to get in and out of the seat – plus they have a unique bassinet position which sees the kidlet-capsule set into a very large recess just ahead of each seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8916a7b0409eae173a1ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8fdccb2843e4b49b3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But if a bassinet isn’t in place (or if you book this seat before a parent does) you'll have a great area for keeping a bag within reach during most of the flight, rather than stowing it away in the overhead bin. </p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b3b484415aaea3cfbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b77c848a2aecb3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13d.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>So if you want a ‘corner office’ in SQ’s new regional business class, shoot for 11A or 11K.</p> <p>And while the middle seats (11D and 11F) are close together in ‘honeymoon’ mode, which may deter solo flyers, there’s much more room (around 38cm, or 15 inches) for getting past the side shelf into the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff7f33404a70a81572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-10.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also note that Singapore Airlines hasn’t installed an overhead crew rest in the Boeing 787-10 due to the relatively short flying range, so the centre bins above row 11 remain available for you to use.</p> <h3>The SQ regional business class cheat sheet</h3> <p>If you’re trying to work out which seats have which orientation, here’s the cheat sheet.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,622/5acae245dab0430a805a1c7ddd799463-sqb787seatmap.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="622" /></p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the aisle: 11A and 11K, 14A and 14K, 16A and 16K, 18A and 18K, 20A and 20K.</p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the window: 12A and 12K, 15A and 15K, 17A and 17K, 19A and 19K.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated next to one another and away from the aisle (aka ‘honeymoon’ seats): 11D and 11F, 14D and 14F, 16D and 16F, 18D and 18F, 20D and 20F.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated away from one another and next to the aisle: 12D and 12F, 15D and 15F, 17D and 17F, 19D and 19F.</p> <p>Be warned: seats 16A and 16K have no window, only a blank slab of fuselage.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8b27d5a84907b7613a1fdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-262.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>SQ’s squeeze factor</h3> <p>Moving onto the seat itself presents another area where the squeeze factor kicks in.</p> <p>Each seat is just a nominal 20 inches wide. That’s what an optimist would describe as a snug fit, and it’s noticeably so unless you have a very slim build.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba85975e284623b69b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-35.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>By comparison, SQ’s own premium economy seats average around 19 inches wide, while its conventional business class seats (on the Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 777) range from 25 to 30 inches.</p> <p>Fortunately you can lower the armrests on both sides to gain around six inches, bringing the edge-to-edge width up to a more comfortable 26 inches.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba84d62888488fa1c93887dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-34.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But the squeeze is real. Sitting in a window-side seat with the armrest raised, my elbow closest to the window was almost jammed between the narrow edge of the armrest and the curved seat shell.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba864f04404f97aabd37e8dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8640978446f790ca3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Lowering the armrest provided a little extra wiggle room but even then, when typing on my laptop my elbow was constantly brushing the padded sidewall unless I deliberately moved off-centre to the right side of the seat, at which point my right elbow was nudging the console.</p> <p>When watching a movie on the seatback video screen the most comfortable position was to cross my arms. That’s far from ideal for a business class seat in which you could spend as many as eight hours, although of course that is the outer limit of this regional seat’s intended range – passengers on shorter hops around Asia may be more forgiving.</p> <p>All the same, it’s hard to avoid the impression that these seats are a bit too narrow.</p> <h3>A regional business class bed</h3> <p>But if they’re narrow, they’re also <em>long</em>: the seats fold down to a fully-flat bed that’s 1.9 metres (76 inches) from head to heels.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8d6802f44357b85b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-23.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>And speaking of heels, there’s ample room in the cubby for your feet…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e2bc6244a878f4a3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-505.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e26fb7c4e9f9f633a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-50.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and again, row 11 is the pick because of its location up against the bulkhead (rather than dovetailing into and under the seat in front) allows for a super-sized cubby for plus-sized plods.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8ebe9cec471e9b7e3ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-510b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The inner shell of the seat is covered in soft Alcantara padding with a quilted pattern. This not only provides a cushioning surface to rest your head against, it absorbs sound to reduce the overall levels of cabin noise.</p> <p>The entire surface of the top of the bed is usable, and the cocoon-like surrounding makes this a great little nest if you need to snooze.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fc84c4d66bf8472d4dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-33.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fddec4225985272c6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-32.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, several passengers on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight commented to me that the break line in the middle of the bed – where the seat back and base come together – created a noticeable bump which was best remedied by laying the airline-supplied blanket on top of the seat as a makeshift mattress.</p> <p>A recess beneath the foot cubby area is the ideal place to stow your shoes or a small piece of cabin baggage (such as slim backpacks, laptop cases and handbags).</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf11d843a892143ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-503.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf35084ab7ab7c3a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-502.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also of note: the new business class seat uses a three-point harness for take-off and landing.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe74c9a046e6bb2f72bedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>When that extra strap isn’t in use it retracts into the seat and hides itself away under a small tongue so you’d never notice it’s there.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe42cff446069b2b72e6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>Mixing (regional) business and pleasure</h3> <p>Inflight entertainment gets a solid upgrade from the 18 inch HD touchscreen monitor, which is as large any SQ business class screen.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9333fe5c4ee1bb614048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-31.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is paired with a touchscreen handset controller docked in a recess next to the seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba94217e604d9aa7ae4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-301.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The monitor can be titled downward for a better viewing angle if you’re lying in bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c0ebb204202908c3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c1256304eb38e703a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you decide to get working above the clouds, Singapore Airlines’s new regional business class seat ticks all the technical boxes.</p> <p>The console next to each seat has a 'cocktail table' that's also useful for temporarily parking your laptop, tablet or work-related documents…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba91214ac04baebac74001dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-224.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and behind this, a sliding panel reveals a universal AC socket and two high-power USB ports to fast-charge your tablet or large-screen smartphone.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9236bc4c4a2786263a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-226.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba924d8e2c4ecaafeb4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-227.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>We tested the AC socket with the large power brickette of a 15 inch MacBook Pro and found this fitted without drama.</p> <p>A recess next to this power panel contains a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but you can always toss these into the overhead bin to free up some space for your tablet, phone or ebook reader while it’s charging – or just slide in your amenity kit, reading glasses and what-not.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba82df418843529be537e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-303.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>There’s also a concealed mirror fitted into the passenger-facing side of the shelf.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8385e0344ca6a48637e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafdd08a504a7b8fd472d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The slide-out table which reveals itself from under the video screen is <em>massive</em>…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8457a2bc4b6997c437e3dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-222.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba846464c84055a72a37e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-220.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba845abf5c4fa48fc237e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-219.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and it’s solidly mounted so there’s minimal bounce while you hammer away at the keyboard.</p> <p>You can also fold the table back into half and slide it most of the way back in, then perch you laptop on top of it, to make it easy to leave your seat without having to disconnect everything and pack it all away.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba820e6a604c088e4837dedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-304.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, the curved literature pocket won’t be the ideal place to stow your laptop.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba814403f443cb904e35c0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-507.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Inflight <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-now-offers-free-wifi-in-first-business-class" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines’ Wifi</a> is available on Boeing 787-10 jets with 100MB free for first class, and 30MB free for business class and PPS Club members.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,263/5aba80c60a644648a386367cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-401.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="263" /></p> <h3>The light touch</h3> <p>Running along the inner edge of the console is a touch-sensitive control strip.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba90a2e5bc451688eb3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-30a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Give it a firm tap to wake it up and you’ll find large illuminated icons for seat adjustments, the call button, an on/off switch for the monitor, overhead and ambient lighting controls and – my personal favourite – the Do Not Disturb button…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7fe6ef704868bfdb3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… which emblazons your wish for solitude next to your seat number facing the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7ff549404a97ae30367ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each button press on this control strip is accompanied by a short burst of haptic feedback similar to the gentle vibration of a smartphone’s alert.</p> <p>While we’re talking about lights, the inner shell of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat boasts a second lighting panel.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafd14c034474091f56e80dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This has three LED spot beams angled to illuminate different parts of the seat: one goes almost straight down for when you’re in bed, a second casts down towards your lap where you might be reading a book, and a third shines more towards the tray table.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafce8b0144de6be086dd2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each light has three brightness settings, which you cycle through with each tap of the relevant lighting key. A single OFF button immediately extinguishes all three lamps.</p> <h3>Considered design</h3> <p>The overall style and colour scheme of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seats creates a family connection with the airline’s latest Airbus A380 and A350 business class.</p> <p>The seats are finished in aubergine leather with subtle copper stitching while the pillow contains elements of orange-copper and blue, both of which are drawn from Singapore Airlines’ colour palette.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f30df544125b33d35bcdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-40.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f41dac0443f9d7e3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-508a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The cocktail table is clad in a textured satin powder finish while the sliding door opens to reveal a burst of burnished copper.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7e02f15c49f985aa330edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-21.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Gentle patterns weave their way across the seat shell’s various panels in a dusky grey-blue, caramel, blue and bronze with a touch of subtle metallic dusting on some surfaces.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7db1fb4047e1aa3d3308dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-257.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The overall effect gives the 787-10’s business class cabin a premium feel of understated elegance, of high-end without the high-gloss.</p> <h3>Our take on SQ’s new regional business class</h3> <p>Anybody who’s flown in Singapore Airlines’ older regional business class will jump at the chance to fly this new Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350 seat.</p> <p>And with Singapore Airlines planning a rapid ramp-up of the new jets, there should be plenty of chances.</p> <p>While I felt that the seat was too narrow for too long a stretch of travel, that has to be taken in the context of this being a <em>regional</em> business class seat. It’s intended for routes as short as 45 minutes through to an average of 3-4 hours and all the way to eight-hour journeys to and from Australia, which are often overnights.</p> <p>That’s a broad brief for a single seat, and I expect most Singapore Airlines customers will be very happy to see this seat on their next regional flight.</p> <p><em>David Flynn travelled on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight as a guest of Singapore Airlines</em></p>", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "comment_thread_id" => "15975", "show_comments" => "1", "is_must_read" => "0", "show_deal" => "0", "show_deal_right" => "0", "show_deal_bottom" => "0", "hide_promos" => "0", "hide_reading_list" => "0", "show_pull_quote" => null, "is_published" => "1", "is_sponsored" => "0", "show_related" => "1", "published" => "2018-03-28 13:30:00", "created" => "2018-03-27 10:46:55", "updated" => "2019-06-18 06:59:35", "page_title" => "", "short_title" => "Review: SQ's new regional business class", "syndicated_url" => null, "syndicated_title" => null, "num_views" => "96097", "city_id" => "0", "tags" => "singapore airlines, business class, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350", "category" => "Airline", "featured" => "Home Page, Landing Page" ), "User" => array( "id" => "4", "username" => "David", "password" => "*****", "author_link" => "david", "facebook_id" => null, "avatar" => "", "state" => "Y", "activation_code" => null, "activation_return_url" => "/", "last_interaction_notification" => "2015-07-17 11:44:51", "last_watching_notification" => "2015-03-12 19:26:44", "parent_account" => "0", "is_club_member" => "0", "created" => "2010-10-24 16:55:49", "modified" => "2019-10-03 11:39:59", "UserField" => array(), "BioPhoto" => array() ), "CommentThread" => array( "id" => "15975", "comment_count" => 23 ), "Photo" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "Tag" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "main_photo" => array( "id" => "81458", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "caption" => "", "attribution" => "", "sponsored_caption" => null, "filename" => "5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg", "user_id" => "25489", "featured" => "1", "order" => "1", "is_inline" => "0", "created" => "2018-03-28 13:39:20", "updated" => "2019-06-18 06:59:28", "deleted" => "0", "width" => "920", "height" => "520", "filesize" => "269836", "kind" => null, "original_url" => null, "dynamic_url" => null, "remote_filename" => null ), "comments" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "polls" => array(), "completePolls" => null, "tag_arr" => array( "singapore airlines", "business class", "Boeing 787 Dreamliner", "Airbus A350" ), "isLifestyle" => false, "text_link" => array( "TextLink" => array(), "Photo" => array() ), "ad_tag" => false ) $pageStartTime = 1594182711.408 $main_photo = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg" $srcsetPhoto = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:480,270/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 480w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:720,405/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 720w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:960,540/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 960w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 1200w" $sponsored_caption = "" $width = 1200 $title = "Review: Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 regional business class" $desc = "<p><em>Singapore Airlines aims to revolutionise regional business class with direct aisle access flatbed seats being rolled out on across its Boeing 787-10 fleet and some Airbus A350 jets, but it could prove a tight fit for many passengers.</em></p> <p>Singapore Airlines’ regional business class play is magic trick worthy of Houdini.</p> <p>Gone is the 2-2-2 layout and ‘sloping sleeper’ of SQ’s older jets such as the Airbus A330, for example. All that stale, worn last-gen oldness vanishes in a puff of smoke.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaffed9ef446a19f7972dbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-A330-2000-a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>In its place on <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-ramps-up-regional-fleet-with-boeing-787-airbus-350?utm_source=grid" target="_blank">Boeing 787-10s and some Airbus A350 jets</a>: a modern medium-range seat with long-range pedigree, including a 1-2-1 layout which gives direct aisle access to every passenger…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba7882638c408298282feddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-102.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>…and a seat that converts into a fully-flat bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,377/5aba792ee0784ac88cca3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-100.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="377" /></p> <p><em>Australian Business Traveller</em> took a pew on the delivery flight of Singapore Airlines’ first Boeing 787-10 – a 23 hour journey from Boeing’s Dreamliner factory at South Carolina to Singapore, via Osaka for a fuel stop – to bring you this detailed review.</p> <h3>Designing Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat</h3> <p>Singapore Airlines’ 2018 regional business class seat was created by the airline in conjunction with Stelia Aerospace, using Stelia’s Solstys III platform as a starting point but evolving into an all-new design which Stelia calls the Symphony.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba79cd86fc47c09eca3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-101.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>The seat adopts a staggered forward-facing arrangement, with all 36 business class seats in the Boeing 787-10 ranked in two alternating row layouts.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,103/5abaffd8151044d2b39572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-223.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="103" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7a2705bc4cd6b8063312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-233.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>One row layout sees the passengers in seats A and K located directly next to the window, with a wide shelf between them and the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7af5d71843ae83da3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-252.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is obviously the pick if you <em>really</em> want that window view, but be wary if you’re a ‘passenger of size’ – the narrow gap between the seat in front of you and the shelf next to your seat is a tight 23cm (9 inches).</p> <p>Almost any average-sized person will find this makes for a squeeze as you do a sideways stomach-sucked-in crab-walk from your seat to the aisle or vice versa.</p> <p>In this same row, the middle seats (D and F) are next to one another, with each seat’s console between the passenger and the aisle – making for the same narrow passage as mentioned above.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7b7611d448bcafb5330cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-245.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>A pneumatic divider panel between these paired middle seats offers privacy if you’re flying solo and not in the mood to be social.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c179c384be5a83f3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-8.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you’re travelling with your partner, however, feel free to leave the divider down – although it doesn’t disappear completely into the floor, unlike in the middle business class seats of SQ’s Airbus A380…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c8e0ab04fcb89053310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-6.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… so converting both seats into beds means you’re sleeping <em>next to</em> one another rather than <em>with</em> one another.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7cea81f84c59a7ec3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-9.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The <em>second</em> row layout – which alternates with the first – swaps things around.</p> <p>The ‘window’ passenger is now seated at the aisle, with the shelf between them and the window. Less ideal if you like a view, but far better for accessibility.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7d3aef90463891833310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-38.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The middle seats are also at the aisles, with each seat’s console keeping the passengers well apart – so much so that those seats lack a divider between them.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87513ab84d25ae7b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-2.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>(Trivia time: in this arrangement the middle seats which are next to one another are sometimes called ‘honeymoon seats’, while those which are further apart are called ‘divorces seats’.)</p> <p>Passengers sitting directly at the aisle will find the curved seat shell adds a degree of privacy.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87c230e04ab09bcb3a1cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-213.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>My pick would be row 11, the very first row of the business class cabin.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba88161f9c49828a203a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-214.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The window seats (11A and 11K) are closest to the aisle, making it easy to get in and out of the seat – plus they have a unique bassinet position which sees the kidlet-capsule set into a very large recess just ahead of each seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8916a7b0409eae173a1ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8fdccb2843e4b49b3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But if a bassinet isn’t in place (or if you book this seat before a parent does) you'll have a great area for keeping a bag within reach during most of the flight, rather than stowing it away in the overhead bin. </p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b3b484415aaea3cfbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b77c848a2aecb3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13d.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>So if you want a ‘corner office’ in SQ’s new regional business class, shoot for 11A or 11K.</p> <p>And while the middle seats (11D and 11F) are close together in ‘honeymoon’ mode, which may deter solo flyers, there’s much more room (around 38cm, or 15 inches) for getting past the side shelf into the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff7f33404a70a81572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-10.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also note that Singapore Airlines hasn’t installed an overhead crew rest in the Boeing 787-10 due to the relatively short flying range, so the centre bins above row 11 remain available for you to use.</p> <h3>The SQ regional business class cheat sheet</h3> <p>If you’re trying to work out which seats have which orientation, here’s the cheat sheet.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,622/5acae245dab0430a805a1c7ddd799463-sqb787seatmap.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="622" /></p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the aisle: 11A and 11K, 14A and 14K, 16A and 16K, 18A and 18K, 20A and 20K.</p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the window: 12A and 12K, 15A and 15K, 17A and 17K, 19A and 19K.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated next to one another and away from the aisle (aka ‘honeymoon’ seats): 11D and 11F, 14D and 14F, 16D and 16F, 18D and 18F, 20D and 20F.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated away from one another and next to the aisle: 12D and 12F, 15D and 15F, 17D and 17F, 19D and 19F.</p> <p>Be warned: seats 16A and 16K have no window, only a blank slab of fuselage.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8b27d5a84907b7613a1fdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-262.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>SQ’s squeeze factor</h3> <p>Moving onto the seat itself presents another area where the squeeze factor kicks in.</p> <p>Each seat is just a nominal 20 inches wide. That’s what an optimist would describe as a snug fit, and it’s noticeably so unless you have a very slim build.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba85975e284623b69b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-35.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>By comparison, SQ’s own premium economy seats average around 19 inches wide, while its conventional business class seats (on the Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 777) range from 25 to 30 inches.</p> <p>Fortunately you can lower the armrests on both sides to gain around six inches, bringing the edge-to-edge width up to a more comfortable 26 inches.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba84d62888488fa1c93887dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-34.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But the squeeze is real. Sitting in a window-side seat with the armrest raised, my elbow closest to the window was almost jammed between the narrow edge of the armrest and the curved seat shell.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba864f04404f97aabd37e8dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8640978446f790ca3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Lowering the armrest provided a little extra wiggle room but even then, when typing on my laptop my elbow was constantly brushing the padded sidewall unless I deliberately moved off-centre to the right side of the seat, at which point my right elbow was nudging the console.</p> <p>When watching a movie on the seatback video screen the most comfortable position was to cross my arms. That’s far from ideal for a business class seat in which you could spend as many as eight hours, although of course that is the outer limit of this regional seat’s intended range – passengers on shorter hops around Asia may be more forgiving.</p> <p>All the same, it’s hard to avoid the impression that these seats are a bit too narrow.</p> <h3>A regional business class bed</h3> <p>But if they’re narrow, they’re also <em>long</em>: the seats fold down to a fully-flat bed that’s 1.9 metres (76 inches) from head to heels.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8d6802f44357b85b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-23.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>And speaking of heels, there’s ample room in the cubby for your feet…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e2bc6244a878f4a3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-505.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e26fb7c4e9f9f633a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-50.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and again, row 11 is the pick because of its location up against the bulkhead (rather than dovetailing into and under the seat in front) allows for a super-sized cubby for plus-sized plods.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8ebe9cec471e9b7e3ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-510b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The inner shell of the seat is covered in soft Alcantara padding with a quilted pattern. This not only provides a cushioning surface to rest your head against, it absorbs sound to reduce the overall levels of cabin noise.</p> <p>The entire surface of the top of the bed is usable, and the cocoon-like surrounding makes this a great little nest if you need to snooze.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fc84c4d66bf8472d4dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-33.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fddec4225985272c6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-32.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, several passengers on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight commented to me that the break line in the middle of the bed – where the seat back and base come together – created a noticeable bump which was best remedied by laying the airline-supplied blanket on top of the seat as a makeshift mattress.</p> <p>A recess beneath the foot cubby area is the ideal place to stow your shoes or a small piece of cabin baggage (such as slim backpacks, laptop cases and handbags).</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf11d843a892143ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-503.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf35084ab7ab7c3a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-502.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also of note: the new business class seat uses a three-point harness for take-off and landing.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe74c9a046e6bb2f72bedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>When that extra strap isn’t in use it retracts into the seat and hides itself away under a small tongue so you’d never notice it’s there.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe42cff446069b2b72e6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>Mixing (regional) business and pleasure</h3> <p>Inflight entertainment gets a solid upgrade from the 18 inch HD touchscreen monitor, which is as large any SQ business class screen.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9333fe5c4ee1bb614048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-31.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is paired with a touchscreen handset controller docked in a recess next to the seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba94217e604d9aa7ae4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-301.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The monitor can be titled downward for a better viewing angle if you’re lying in bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c0ebb204202908c3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c1256304eb38e703a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you decide to get working above the clouds, Singapore Airlines’s new regional business class seat ticks all the technical boxes.</p> <p>The console next to each seat has a 'cocktail table' that's also useful for temporarily parking your laptop, tablet or work-related documents…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba91214ac04baebac74001dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-224.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and behind this, a sliding panel reveals a universal AC socket and two high-power USB ports to fast-charge your tablet or large-screen smartphone.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9236bc4c4a2786263a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-226.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba924d8e2c4ecaafeb4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-227.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>We tested the AC socket with the large power brickette of a 15 inch MacBook Pro and found this fitted without drama.</p> <p>A recess next to this power panel contains a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but you can always toss these into the overhead bin to free up some space for your tablet, phone or ebook reader while it’s charging – or just slide in your amenity kit, reading glasses and what-not.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba82df418843529be537e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-303.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>There’s also a concealed mirror fitted into the passenger-facing side of the shelf.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8385e0344ca6a48637e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafdd08a504a7b8fd472d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The slide-out table which reveals itself from under the video screen is <em>massive</em>…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8457a2bc4b6997c437e3dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-222.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba846464c84055a72a37e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-220.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba845abf5c4fa48fc237e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-219.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and it’s solidly mounted so there’s minimal bounce while you hammer away at the keyboard.</p> <p>You can also fold the table back into half and slide it most of the way back in, then perch you laptop on top of it, to make it easy to leave your seat without having to disconnect everything and pack it all away.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba820e6a604c088e4837dedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-304.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, the curved literature pocket won’t be the ideal place to stow your laptop.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba814403f443cb904e35c0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-507.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Inflight <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-now-offers-free-wifi-in-first-business-class" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines’ Wifi</a> is available on Boeing 787-10 jets with 100MB free for first class, and 30MB free for business class and PPS Club members.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,263/5aba80c60a644648a386367cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-401.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="263" /></p> <h3>The light touch</h3> <p>Running along the inner edge of the console is a touch-sensitive control strip.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba90a2e5bc451688eb3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-30a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Give it a firm tap to wake it up and you’ll find large illuminated icons for seat adjustments, the call button, an on/off switch for the monitor, overhead and ambient lighting controls and – my personal favourite – the Do Not Disturb button…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7fe6ef704868bfdb3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… which emblazons your wish for solitude next to your seat number facing the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7ff549404a97ae30367ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each button press on this control strip is accompanied by a short burst of haptic feedback similar to the gentle vibration of a smartphone’s alert.</p> <p>While we’re talking about lights, the inner shell of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat boasts a second lighting panel.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafd14c034474091f56e80dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This has three LED spot beams angled to illuminate different parts of the seat: one goes almost straight down for when you’re in bed, a second casts down towards your lap where you might be reading a book, and a third shines more towards the tray table.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafce8b0144de6be086dd2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each light has three brightness settings, which you cycle through with each tap of the relevant lighting key. A single OFF button immediately extinguishes all three lamps.</p> <h3>Considered design</h3> <p>The overall style and colour scheme of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seats creates a family connection with the airline’s latest Airbus A380 and A350 business class.</p> <p>The seats are finished in aubergine leather with subtle copper stitching while the pillow contains elements of orange-copper and blue, both of which are drawn from Singapore Airlines’ colour palette.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f30df544125b33d35bcdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-40.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f41dac0443f9d7e3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-508a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The cocktail table is clad in a textured satin powder finish while the sliding door opens to reveal a burst of burnished copper.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7e02f15c49f985aa330edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-21.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Gentle patterns weave their way across the seat shell’s various panels in a dusky grey-blue, caramel, blue and bronze with a touch of subtle metallic dusting on some surfaces.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7db1fb4047e1aa3d3308dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-257.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The overall effect gives the 787-10’s business class cabin a premium feel of understated elegance, of high-end without the high-gloss.</p> <h3>Our take on SQ’s new regional business class</h3> <p>Anybody who’s flown in Singapore Airlines’ older regional business class will jump at the chance to fly this new Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350 seat.</p> <p>And with Singapore Airlines planning a rapid ramp-up of the new jets, there should be plenty of chances.</p> <p>While I felt that the seat was too narrow for too long a stretch of travel, that has to be taken in the context of this being a <em>regional</em> business class seat. It’s intended for routes as short as 45 minutes through to an average of 3-4 hours and all the way to eight-hour journeys to and from Australia, which are often overnights.</p> <p>That’s a broad brief for a single seat, and I expect most Singapore Airlines customers will be very happy to see this seat on their next regional flight.</p> <p><em>David Flynn travelled on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight as a guest of Singapore Airlines</em></p>" $url = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/review-singapore-airlines-boeing-787-10-regional-business-class" $type = "NewsArticle" $comment_count = "36 Comments" $linkToProfile = trueinclude - APP/views/news/view.ctp, line 222 View::_render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 736 View::render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 431 Controller::render() - CORE/cake/libs/controller/controller.php, line 909 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 208 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 172 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 92
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class with direct aisle access flatbed seats being rolled out on across its Boeing 787-10 fleet and some Airbus A350 jets, but it could prove a tight fit for many passengers.</em></p> <p>Singapore Airlines’ regional business class play is magic trick worthy of Houdini.</p> <p>Gone is the 2-2-2 layout and ‘sloping sleeper’ of SQ’s older jets such as the Airbus A330, for example. All that stale, worn last-gen oldness vanishes in a puff of smoke.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaffed9ef446a19f7972dbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-A330-2000-a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>In its place on <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-ramps-up-regional-fleet-with-boeing-787-airbus-350?utm_source=grid" target="_blank">Boeing 787-10s and some Airbus A350 jets</a>: a modern medium-range seat with long-range pedigree, including a 1-2-1 layout which gives direct aisle access to every passenger…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba7882638c408298282feddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-102.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>…and a seat that converts into a fully-flat bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,377/5aba792ee0784ac88cca3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-100.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="377" /></p> <p><em>Australian Business Traveller</em> took a pew on the delivery flight of Singapore Airlines’ first Boeing 787-10 – a 23 hour journey from Boeing’s Dreamliner factory at South Carolina to Singapore, via Osaka for a fuel stop – to bring you this detailed review.</p> <h3>Designing Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat</h3> <p>Singapore Airlines’ 2018 regional business class seat was created by the airline in conjunction with Stelia Aerospace, using Stelia’s Solstys III platform as a starting point but evolving into an all-new design which Stelia calls the Symphony.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba79cd86fc47c09eca3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-101.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>The seat adopts a staggered forward-facing arrangement, with all 36 business class seats in the Boeing 787-10 ranked in two alternating row layouts.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,103/5abaffd8151044d2b39572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-223.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="103" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7a2705bc4cd6b8063312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-233.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>One row layout sees the passengers in seats A and K located directly next to the window, with a wide shelf between them and the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7af5d71843ae83da3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-252.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is obviously the pick if you <em>really</em> want that window view, but be wary if you’re a ‘passenger of size’ – the narrow gap between the seat in front of you and the shelf next to your seat is a tight 23cm (9 inches).</p> <p>Almost any average-sized person will find this makes for a squeeze as you do a sideways stomach-sucked-in crab-walk from your seat to the aisle or vice versa.</p> <p>In this same row, the middle seats (D and F) are next to one another, with each seat’s console between the passenger and the aisle – making for the same narrow passage as mentioned above.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7b7611d448bcafb5330cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-245.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>A pneumatic divider panel between these paired middle seats offers privacy if you’re flying solo and not in the mood to be social.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c179c384be5a83f3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-8.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you’re travelling with your partner, however, feel free to leave the divider down – although it doesn’t disappear completely into the floor, unlike in the middle business class seats of SQ’s Airbus A380…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c8e0ab04fcb89053310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-6.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… so converting both seats into beds means you’re sleeping <em>next to</em> one another rather than <em>with</em> one another.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7cea81f84c59a7ec3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-9.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The <em>second</em> row layout – which alternates with the first – swaps things around.</p> <p>The ‘window’ passenger is now seated at the aisle, with the shelf between them and the window. Less ideal if you like a view, but far better for accessibility.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7d3aef90463891833310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-38.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The middle seats are also at the aisles, with each seat’s console keeping the passengers well apart – so much so that those seats lack a divider between them.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87513ab84d25ae7b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-2.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>(Trivia time: in this arrangement the middle seats which are next to one another are sometimes called ‘honeymoon seats’, while those which are further apart are called ‘divorces seats’.)</p> <p>Passengers sitting directly at the aisle will find the curved seat shell adds a degree of privacy.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87c230e04ab09bcb3a1cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-213.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>My pick would be row 11, the very first row of the business class cabin.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba88161f9c49828a203a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-214.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The window seats (11A and 11K) are closest to the aisle, making it easy to get in and out of the seat – plus they have a unique bassinet position which sees the kidlet-capsule set into a very large recess just ahead of each seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8916a7b0409eae173a1ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8fdccb2843e4b49b3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But if a bassinet isn’t in place (or if you book this seat before a parent does) you'll have a great area for keeping a bag within reach during most of the flight, rather than stowing it away in the overhead bin. </p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b3b484415aaea3cfbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b77c848a2aecb3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13d.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>So if you want a ‘corner office’ in SQ’s new regional business class, shoot for 11A or 11K.</p> <p>And while the middle seats (11D and 11F) are close together in ‘honeymoon’ mode, which may deter solo flyers, there’s much more room (around 38cm, or 15 inches) for getting past the side shelf into the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff7f33404a70a81572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-10.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also note that Singapore Airlines hasn’t installed an overhead crew rest in the Boeing 787-10 due to the relatively short flying range, so the centre bins above row 11 remain available for you to use.</p> <h3>The SQ regional business class cheat sheet</h3> <p>If you’re trying to work out which seats have which orientation, here’s the cheat sheet.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,622/5acae245dab0430a805a1c7ddd799463-sqb787seatmap.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="622" /></p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the aisle: 11A and 11K, 14A and 14K, 16A and 16K, 18A and 18K, 20A and 20K.</p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the window: 12A and 12K, 15A and 15K, 17A and 17K, 19A and 19K.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated next to one another and away from the aisle (aka ‘honeymoon’ seats): 11D and 11F, 14D and 14F, 16D and 16F, 18D and 18F, 20D and 20F.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated away from one another and next to the aisle: 12D and 12F, 15D and 15F, 17D and 17F, 19D and 19F.</p> <p>Be warned: seats 16A and 16K have no window, only a blank slab of fuselage.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8b27d5a84907b7613a1fdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-262.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>SQ’s squeeze factor</h3> <p>Moving onto the seat itself presents another area where the squeeze factor kicks in.</p> <p>Each seat is just a nominal 20 inches wide. That’s what an optimist would describe as a snug fit, and it’s noticeably so unless you have a very slim build.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba85975e284623b69b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-35.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>By comparison, SQ’s own premium economy seats average around 19 inches wide, while its conventional business class seats (on the Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 777) range from 25 to 30 inches.</p> <p>Fortunately you can lower the armrests on both sides to gain around six inches, bringing the edge-to-edge width up to a more comfortable 26 inches.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba84d62888488fa1c93887dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-34.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But the squeeze is real. Sitting in a window-side seat with the armrest raised, my elbow closest to the window was almost jammed between the narrow edge of the armrest and the curved seat shell.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba864f04404f97aabd37e8dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8640978446f790ca3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Lowering the armrest provided a little extra wiggle room but even then, when typing on my laptop my elbow was constantly brushing the padded sidewall unless I deliberately moved off-centre to the right side of the seat, at which point my right elbow was nudging the console.</p> <p>When watching a movie on the seatback video screen the most comfortable position was to cross my arms. That’s far from ideal for a business class seat in which you could spend as many as eight hours, although of course that is the outer limit of this regional seat’s intended range – passengers on shorter hops around Asia may be more forgiving.</p> <p>All the same, it’s hard to avoid the impression that these seats are a bit too narrow.</p> <h3>A regional business class bed</h3> <p>But if they’re narrow, they’re also <em>long</em>: the seats fold down to a fully-flat bed that’s 1.9 metres (76 inches) from head to heels.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8d6802f44357b85b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-23.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>And speaking of heels, there’s ample room in the cubby for your feet…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e2bc6244a878f4a3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-505.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e26fb7c4e9f9f633a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-50.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and again, row 11 is the pick because of its location up against the bulkhead (rather than dovetailing into and under the seat in front) allows for a super-sized cubby for plus-sized plods.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8ebe9cec471e9b7e3ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-510b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The inner shell of the seat is covered in soft Alcantara padding with a quilted pattern. This not only provides a cushioning surface to rest your head against, it absorbs sound to reduce the overall levels of cabin noise.</p> <p>The entire surface of the top of the bed is usable, and the cocoon-like surrounding makes this a great little nest if you need to snooze.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fc84c4d66bf8472d4dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-33.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fddec4225985272c6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-32.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, several passengers on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight commented to me that the break line in the middle of the bed – where the seat back and base come together – created a noticeable bump which was best remedied by laying the airline-supplied blanket on top of the seat as a makeshift mattress.</p> <p>A recess beneath the foot cubby area is the ideal place to stow your shoes or a small piece of cabin baggage (such as slim backpacks, laptop cases and handbags).</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf11d843a892143ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-503.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf35084ab7ab7c3a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-502.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also of note: the new business class seat uses a three-point harness for take-off and landing.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe74c9a046e6bb2f72bedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>When that extra strap isn’t in use it retracts into the seat and hides itself away under a small tongue so you’d never notice it’s there.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe42cff446069b2b72e6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>Mixing (regional) business and pleasure</h3> <p>Inflight entertainment gets a solid upgrade from the 18 inch HD touchscreen monitor, which is as large any SQ business class screen.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9333fe5c4ee1bb614048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-31.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is paired with a touchscreen handset controller docked in a recess next to the seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba94217e604d9aa7ae4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-301.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The monitor can be titled downward for a better viewing angle if you’re lying in bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c0ebb204202908c3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c1256304eb38e703a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you decide to get working above the clouds, Singapore Airlines’s new regional business class seat ticks all the technical boxes.</p> <p>The console next to each seat has a 'cocktail table' that's also useful for temporarily parking your laptop, tablet or work-related documents…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba91214ac04baebac74001dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-224.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and behind this, a sliding panel reveals a universal AC socket and two high-power USB ports to fast-charge your tablet or large-screen smartphone.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9236bc4c4a2786263a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-226.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba924d8e2c4ecaafeb4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-227.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>We tested the AC socket with the large power brickette of a 15 inch MacBook Pro and found this fitted without drama.</p> <p>A recess next to this power panel contains a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but you can always toss these into the overhead bin to free up some space for your tablet, phone or ebook reader while it’s charging – or just slide in your amenity kit, reading glasses and what-not.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba82df418843529be537e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-303.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>There’s also a concealed mirror fitted into the passenger-facing side of the shelf.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8385e0344ca6a48637e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafdd08a504a7b8fd472d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The slide-out table which reveals itself from under the video screen is <em>massive</em>…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8457a2bc4b6997c437e3dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-222.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba846464c84055a72a37e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-220.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba845abf5c4fa48fc237e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-219.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and it’s solidly mounted so there’s minimal bounce while you hammer away at the keyboard.</p> <p>You can also fold the table back into half and slide it most of the way back in, then perch you laptop on top of it, to make it easy to leave your seat without having to disconnect everything and pack it all away.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba820e6a604c088e4837dedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-304.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, the curved literature pocket won’t be the ideal place to stow your laptop.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba814403f443cb904e35c0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-507.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Inflight <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-now-offers-free-wifi-in-first-business-class" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines’ Wifi</a> is available on Boeing 787-10 jets with 100MB free for first class, and 30MB free for business class and PPS Club members.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,263/5aba80c60a644648a386367cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-401.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="263" /></p> <h3>The light touch</h3> <p>Running along the inner edge of the console is a touch-sensitive control strip.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba90a2e5bc451688eb3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-30a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Give it a firm tap to wake it up and you’ll find large illuminated icons for seat adjustments, the call button, an on/off switch for the monitor, overhead and ambient lighting controls and – my personal favourite – the Do Not Disturb button…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7fe6ef704868bfdb3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… which emblazons your wish for solitude next to your seat number facing the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7ff549404a97ae30367ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each button press on this control strip is accompanied by a short burst of haptic feedback similar to the gentle vibration of a smartphone’s alert.</p> <p>While we’re talking about lights, the inner shell of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat boasts a second lighting panel.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafd14c034474091f56e80dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This has three LED spot beams angled to illuminate different parts of the seat: one goes almost straight down for when you’re in bed, a second casts down towards your lap where you might be reading a book, and a third shines more towards the tray table.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafce8b0144de6be086dd2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each light has three brightness settings, which you cycle through with each tap of the relevant lighting key. A single OFF button immediately extinguishes all three lamps.</p> <h3>Considered design</h3> <p>The overall style and colour scheme of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seats creates a family connection with the airline’s latest Airbus A380 and A350 business class.</p> <p>The seats are finished in aubergine leather with subtle copper stitching while the pillow contains elements of orange-copper and blue, both of which are drawn from Singapore Airlines’ colour palette.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f30df544125b33d35bcdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-40.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f41dac0443f9d7e3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-508a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The cocktail table is clad in a textured satin powder finish while the sliding door opens to reveal a burst of burnished copper.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7e02f15c49f985aa330edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-21.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Gentle patterns weave their way across the seat shell’s various panels in a dusky grey-blue, caramel, blue and bronze with a touch of subtle metallic dusting on some surfaces.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7db1fb4047e1aa3d3308dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-257.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The overall effect gives the 787-10’s business class cabin a premium feel of understated elegance, of high-end without the high-gloss.</p> <h3>Our take on SQ’s new regional business class</h3> <p>Anybody who’s flown in Singapore Airlines’ older regional business class will jump at the chance to fly this new Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350 seat.</p> <p>And with Singapore Airlines planning a rapid ramp-up of the new jets, there should be plenty of chances.</p> <p>While I felt that the seat was too narrow for too long a stretch of travel, that has to be taken in the context of this being a <em>regional</em> business class seat. It’s intended for routes as short as 45 minutes through to an average of 3-4 hours and all the way to eight-hour journeys to and from Australia, which are often overnights.</p> <p>That’s a broad brief for a single seat, and I expect most Singapore Airlines customers will be very happy to see this seat on their next regional flight.</p> <p><em>David Flynn travelled on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight as a guest of Singapore Airlines</em></p>", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "comment_thread_id" => "15975", "show_comments" => "1", "is_must_read" => "0", "show_deal" => "0", "show_deal_right" => "0", "show_deal_bottom" => "0", "hide_promos" => "0", "hide_reading_list" => "0", "show_pull_quote" => null, "is_published" => "1", "is_sponsored" => "0", "show_related" => "1", "published" => "2018-03-28 13:30:00", "created" => "2018-03-27 10:46:55", "updated" => "2019-06-18 06:59:35", "page_title" => "", "short_title" => "Review: SQ's new regional business class", "syndicated_url" => null, "syndicated_title" => null, "num_views" => "96097", "city_id" => "0", "tags" => "singapore airlines, business class, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350", "category" => "Airline", "featured" => "Home Page, Landing Page" ), "User" => array( "id" => "4", "username" => "David", "password" => "*****", "author_link" => "david", "facebook_id" => null, "avatar" => "", "state" => "Y", "activation_code" => null, "activation_return_url" => "/", "last_interaction_notification" => "2015-07-17 11:44:51", "last_watching_notification" => "2015-03-12 19:26:44", "parent_account" => "0", "is_club_member" => "0", "created" => "2010-10-24 16:55:49", "modified" => "2019-10-03 11:39:59", "UserField" => array(), "BioPhoto" => array() ), "CommentThread" => array( "id" => "15975", "comment_count" => 23 ), "Photo" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "Tag" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "main_photo" => array( "id" => "81458", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "caption" => "", "attribution" => "", "sponsored_caption" => null, "filename" => "5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg", "user_id" => "25489", "featured" => "1", "order" => "1", "is_inline" => "0", "created" => "2018-03-28 13:39:20", "updated" => "2019-06-18 06:59:28", "deleted" => "0", "width" => "920", "height" => "520", "filesize" => "269836", "kind" => null, "original_url" => null, "dynamic_url" => null, "remote_filename" => null ), "comments" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "polls" => array(), "completePolls" => null, "tag_arr" => array( "singapore airlines", "business class", "Boeing 787 Dreamliner", "Airbus A350" ), "isLifestyle" => false, "text_link" => array( "TextLink" => array(), "Photo" => array() ), "ad_tag" => false ) $pageStartTime = 1594182711.408 $main_photo = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg" $srcsetPhoto = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:480,270/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 480w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:720,405/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 720w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:960,540/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 960w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5abb004f721048868a1672d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-920a.jpg 1200w" $sponsored_caption = "" $width = 1200 $title = "Review: Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 regional business class" $desc = "<p><em>Singapore Airlines aims to revolutionise regional business class with direct aisle access flatbed seats being rolled out on across its Boeing 787-10 fleet and some Airbus A350 jets, but it could prove a tight fit for many passengers.</em></p> <p>Singapore Airlines’ regional business class play is magic trick worthy of Houdini.</p> <p>Gone is the 2-2-2 layout and ‘sloping sleeper’ of SQ’s older jets such as the Airbus A330, for example. All that stale, worn last-gen oldness vanishes in a puff of smoke.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaffed9ef446a19f7972dbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-A330-2000-a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>In its place on <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-ramps-up-regional-fleet-with-boeing-787-airbus-350?utm_source=grid" target="_blank">Boeing 787-10s and some Airbus A350 jets</a>: a modern medium-range seat with long-range pedigree, including a 1-2-1 layout which gives direct aisle access to every passenger…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba7882638c408298282feddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-102.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>…and a seat that converts into a fully-flat bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,377/5aba792ee0784ac88cca3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-100.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="377" /></p> <p><em>Australian Business Traveller</em> took a pew on the delivery flight of Singapore Airlines’ first Boeing 787-10 – a 23 hour journey from Boeing’s Dreamliner factory at South Carolina to Singapore, via Osaka for a fuel stop – to bring you this detailed review.</p> <h3>Designing Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat</h3> <p>Singapore Airlines’ 2018 regional business class seat was created by the airline in conjunction with Stelia Aerospace, using Stelia’s Solstys III platform as a starting point but evolving into an all-new design which Stelia calls the Symphony.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,311/5aba79cd86fc47c09eca3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-101.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="311" /></p> <p>The seat adopts a staggered forward-facing arrangement, with all 36 business class seats in the Boeing 787-10 ranked in two alternating row layouts.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,103/5abaffd8151044d2b39572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-223.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="103" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7a2705bc4cd6b8063312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-233.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>One row layout sees the passengers in seats A and K located directly next to the window, with a wide shelf between them and the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7af5d71843ae83da3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-252.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is obviously the pick if you <em>really</em> want that window view, but be wary if you’re a ‘passenger of size’ – the narrow gap between the seat in front of you and the shelf next to your seat is a tight 23cm (9 inches).</p> <p>Almost any average-sized person will find this makes for a squeeze as you do a sideways stomach-sucked-in crab-walk from your seat to the aisle or vice versa.</p> <p>In this same row, the middle seats (D and F) are next to one another, with each seat’s console between the passenger and the aisle – making for the same narrow passage as mentioned above.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7b7611d448bcafb5330cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-245.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>A pneumatic divider panel between these paired middle seats offers privacy if you’re flying solo and not in the mood to be social.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c179c384be5a83f3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-8.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you’re travelling with your partner, however, feel free to leave the divider down – although it doesn’t disappear completely into the floor, unlike in the middle business class seats of SQ’s Airbus A380…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7c8e0ab04fcb89053310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-6.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… so converting both seats into beds means you’re sleeping <em>next to</em> one another rather than <em>with</em> one another.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7cea81f84c59a7ec3306dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-9.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The <em>second</em> row layout – which alternates with the first – swaps things around.</p> <p>The ‘window’ passenger is now seated at the aisle, with the shelf between them and the window. Less ideal if you like a view, but far better for accessibility.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7d3aef90463891833310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-38.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The middle seats are also at the aisles, with each seat’s console keeping the passengers well apart – so much so that those seats lack a divider between them.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87513ab84d25ae7b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-2.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>(Trivia time: in this arrangement the middle seats which are next to one another are sometimes called ‘honeymoon seats’, while those which are further apart are called ‘divorces seats’.)</p> <p>Passengers sitting directly at the aisle will find the curved seat shell adds a degree of privacy.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba87c230e04ab09bcb3a1cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-213.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>My pick would be row 11, the very first row of the business class cabin.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba88161f9c49828a203a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-214.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The window seats (11A and 11K) are closest to the aisle, making it easy to get in and out of the seat – plus they have a unique bassinet position which sees the kidlet-capsule set into a very large recess just ahead of each seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8916a7b0409eae173a1ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8fdccb2843e4b49b3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But if a bassinet isn’t in place (or if you book this seat before a parent does) you'll have a great area for keeping a bag within reach during most of the flight, rather than stowing it away in the overhead bin. </p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b3b484415aaea3cfbdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8f6b77c848a2aecb3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-13d.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>So if you want a ‘corner office’ in SQ’s new regional business class, shoot for 11A or 11K.</p> <p>And while the middle seats (11D and 11F) are close together in ‘honeymoon’ mode, which may deter solo flyers, there’s much more room (around 38cm, or 15 inches) for getting past the side shelf into the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff7f33404a70a81572e0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-10.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also note that Singapore Airlines hasn’t installed an overhead crew rest in the Boeing 787-10 due to the relatively short flying range, so the centre bins above row 11 remain available for you to use.</p> <h3>The SQ regional business class cheat sheet</h3> <p>If you’re trying to work out which seats have which orientation, here’s the cheat sheet.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,622/5acae245dab0430a805a1c7ddd799463-sqb787seatmap.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="622" /></p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the aisle: 11A and 11K, 14A and 14K, 16A and 16K, 18A and 18K, 20A and 20K.</p> <p>Window seats with the passenger seated next to the window: 12A and 12K, 15A and 15K, 17A and 17K, 19A and 19K.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated next to one another and away from the aisle (aka ‘honeymoon’ seats): 11D and 11F, 14D and 14F, 16D and 16F, 18D and 18F, 20D and 20F.</p> <p>Middle seats with passengers seated away from one another and next to the aisle: 12D and 12F, 15D and 15F, 17D and 17F, 19D and 19F.</p> <p>Be warned: seats 16A and 16K have no window, only a blank slab of fuselage.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8b27d5a84907b7613a1fdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-262.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>SQ’s squeeze factor</h3> <p>Moving onto the seat itself presents another area where the squeeze factor kicks in.</p> <p>Each seat is just a nominal 20 inches wide. That’s what an optimist would describe as a snug fit, and it’s noticeably so unless you have a very slim build.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba85975e284623b69b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-35.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>By comparison, SQ’s own premium economy seats average around 19 inches wide, while its conventional business class seats (on the Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 777) range from 25 to 30 inches.</p> <p>Fortunately you can lower the armrests on both sides to gain around six inches, bringing the edge-to-edge width up to a more comfortable 26 inches.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba84d62888488fa1c93887dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-34.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>But the squeeze is real. Sitting in a window-side seat with the armrest raised, my elbow closest to the window was almost jammed between the narrow edge of the armrest and the curved seat shell.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba864f04404f97aabd37e8dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8640978446f790ca3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Lowering the armrest provided a little extra wiggle room but even then, when typing on my laptop my elbow was constantly brushing the padded sidewall unless I deliberately moved off-centre to the right side of the seat, at which point my right elbow was nudging the console.</p> <p>When watching a movie on the seatback video screen the most comfortable position was to cross my arms. That’s far from ideal for a business class seat in which you could spend as many as eight hours, although of course that is the outer limit of this regional seat’s intended range – passengers on shorter hops around Asia may be more forgiving.</p> <p>All the same, it’s hard to avoid the impression that these seats are a bit too narrow.</p> <h3>A regional business class bed</h3> <p>But if they’re narrow, they’re also <em>long</em>: the seats fold down to a fully-flat bed that’s 1.9 metres (76 inches) from head to heels.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8d6802f44357b85b3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-23.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>And speaking of heels, there’s ample room in the cubby for your feet…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e2bc6244a878f4a3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-505.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8e26fb7c4e9f9f633a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-50.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and again, row 11 is the pick because of its location up against the bulkhead (rather than dovetailing into and under the seat in front) allows for a super-sized cubby for plus-sized plods.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8ebe9cec471e9b7e3ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-510b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The inner shell of the seat is covered in soft Alcantara padding with a quilted pattern. This not only provides a cushioning surface to rest your head against, it absorbs sound to reduce the overall levels of cabin noise.</p> <p>The entire surface of the top of the bed is usable, and the cocoon-like surrounding makes this a great little nest if you need to snooze.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fc84c4d66bf8472d4dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-33.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abaff2fddec4225985272c6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-32.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, several passengers on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight commented to me that the break line in the middle of the bed – where the seat back and base come together – created a noticeable bump which was best remedied by laying the airline-supplied blanket on top of the seat as a makeshift mattress.</p> <p>A recess beneath the foot cubby area is the ideal place to stow your shoes or a small piece of cabin baggage (such as slim backpacks, laptop cases and handbags).</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf11d843a892143ce5dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-503.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8caf35084ab7ab7c3a27dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-502.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Also of note: the new business class seat uses a three-point harness for take-off and landing.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe74c9a046e6bb2f72bedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-501a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>When that extra strap isn’t in use it retracts into the seat and hides itself away under a small tongue so you’d never notice it’s there.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafe42cff446069b2b72e6dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <h3>Mixing (regional) business and pleasure</h3> <p>Inflight entertainment gets a solid upgrade from the 18 inch HD touchscreen monitor, which is as large any SQ business class screen.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9333fe5c4ee1bb614048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-31.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This is paired with a touchscreen handset controller docked in a recess next to the seat.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba94217e604d9aa7ae4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-301.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The monitor can be titled downward for a better viewing angle if you’re lying in bed.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c0ebb204202908c3a1edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8c1256304eb38e703a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-280b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>If you decide to get working above the clouds, Singapore Airlines’s new regional business class seat ticks all the technical boxes.</p> <p>The console next to each seat has a 'cocktail table' that's also useful for temporarily parking your laptop, tablet or work-related documents…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba91214ac04baebac74001dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-224.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and behind this, a sliding panel reveals a universal AC socket and two high-power USB ports to fast-charge your tablet or large-screen smartphone.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba9236bc4c4a2786263a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-226.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba924d8e2c4ecaafeb4048dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-227.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>We tested the AC socket with the large power brickette of a 15 inch MacBook Pro and found this fitted without drama.</p> <p>A recess next to this power panel contains a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but you can always toss these into the overhead bin to free up some space for your tablet, phone or ebook reader while it’s charging – or just slide in your amenity kit, reading glasses and what-not.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba82df418843529be537e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-303.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>There’s also a concealed mirror fitted into the passenger-facing side of the shelf.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8385e0344ca6a48637e7dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509c.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafdd08a504a7b8fd472d0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-509a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The slide-out table which reveals itself from under the video screen is <em>massive</em>…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba8457a2bc4b6997c437e3dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-222.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba846464c84055a72a37e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-220.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba845abf5c4fa48fc237e2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-219.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… and it’s solidly mounted so there’s minimal bounce while you hammer away at the keyboard.</p> <p>You can also fold the table back into half and slide it most of the way back in, then perch you laptop on top of it, to make it easy to leave your seat without having to disconnect everything and pack it all away.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba820e6a604c088e4837dedd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-304.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>However, the curved literature pocket won’t be the ideal place to stow your laptop.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba814403f443cb904e35c0dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-507.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Inflight <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/singapore-airlines-now-offers-free-wifi-in-first-business-class" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines’ Wifi</a> is available on Boeing 787-10 jets with 100MB free for first class, and 30MB free for business class and PPS Club members.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,263/5aba80c60a644648a386367cdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-401.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="263" /></p> <h3>The light touch</h3> <p>Running along the inner edge of the console is a touch-sensitive control strip.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba90a2e5bc451688eb3a24dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-30a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Give it a firm tap to wake it up and you’ll find large illuminated icons for seat adjustments, the call button, an on/off switch for the monitor, overhead and ambient lighting controls and – my personal favourite – the Do Not Disturb button…</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7fe6ef704868bfdb3310dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>… which emblazons your wish for solitude next to your seat number facing the aisle.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7ff549404a97ae30367ddd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-275b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each button press on this control strip is accompanied by a short burst of haptic feedback similar to the gentle vibration of a smartphone’s alert.</p> <p>While we’re talking about lights, the inner shell of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seat boasts a second lighting panel.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafd14c034474091f56e80dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520b.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>This has three LED spot beams angled to illuminate different parts of the seat: one goes almost straight down for when you’re in bed, a second casts down towards your lap where you might be reading a book, and a third shines more towards the tray table.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5abafce8b0144de6be086dd2dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-520a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Each light has three brightness settings, which you cycle through with each tap of the relevant lighting key. A single OFF button immediately extinguishes all three lamps.</p> <h3>Considered design</h3> <p>The overall style and colour scheme of Singapore Airlines’ new regional business class seats creates a family connection with the airline’s latest Airbus A380 and A350 business class.</p> <p>The seats are finished in aubergine leather with subtle copper stitching while the pillow contains elements of orange-copper and blue, both of which are drawn from Singapore Airlines’ colour palette.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f30df544125b33d35bcdd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-40.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7f41dac0443f9d7e3312dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-508a.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The cocktail table is clad in a textured satin powder finish while the sliding door opens to reveal a burst of burnished copper.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7e02f15c49f985aa330edd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-21.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>Gentle patterns weave their way across the seat shell’s various panels in a dusky grey-blue, caramel, blue and bronze with a touch of subtle metallic dusting on some surfaces.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image" src="/photos/view/size:467,350/5aba7db1fb4047e1aa3d3308dd799463-singapore-airlines-regional-business-class-Boeing-787-10-2000-257.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="350" /></p> <p>The overall effect gives the 787-10’s business class cabin a premium feel of understated elegance, of high-end without the high-gloss.</p> <h3>Our take on SQ’s new regional business class</h3> <p>Anybody who’s flown in Singapore Airlines’ older regional business class will jump at the chance to fly this new Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350 seat.</p> <p>And with Singapore Airlines planning a rapid ramp-up of the new jets, there should be plenty of chances.</p> <p>While I felt that the seat was too narrow for too long a stretch of travel, that has to be taken in the context of this being a <em>regional</em> business class seat. It’s intended for routes as short as 45 minutes through to an average of 3-4 hours and all the way to eight-hour journeys to and from Australia, which are often overnights.</p> <p>That’s a broad brief for a single seat, and I expect most Singapore Airlines customers will be very happy to see this seat on their next regional flight.</p> <p><em>David Flynn travelled on the Boeing 787-10 delivery flight as a guest of Singapore Airlines</em></p>" $url = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/review-singapore-airlines-boeing-787-10-regional-business-class" $type = "NewsArticle" $comment_count = "36 Comments" $linkToProfile = trueinclude - APP/views/news/view.ctp, line 222 View::_render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 736 View::render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 431 Controller::render() - CORE/cake/libs/controller/controller.php, line 909 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 208 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 172 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 92
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 May 2014
Total posts 6
Seat looks good and it's great to see that SQ have opted for the straight sleeping position and no longer need to sleep on a twisted angle.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Sep 2012
Total posts 216
The narrowness of the seat is a slight concern, but as David has pointed out this seat is tailored for regional routes so it should be bearable for journeys up to 8 hours.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 689
As a regional seat it looks fine though obviously not quite as good as VA's The Business which also operates as a regional J class seat.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2389
Stelia tell me they will fit the exact same seat with same dimensions onto the regional A350s, not ones with a slightly wider seat, so the net effect will be wider aisles – which the cabin crew will welcome, as a few commented that the aisles on the Boeing 787-10 were narrower than they're used to, and I did notice the galley carts and meal service carts were a bit of a tight fit.
22 Feb 2018
Total posts 2
Looks fantastic. Can't wait to get into its when I fly KIX to SIN in mid May.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
14 Mar 2017
Total posts 145
The current A330/777-300 business seat is not particularly wide once you are lying down either, due to the angle. This actually looks wider, to be honest.
If I had to spend 8 hour sitting I'd take the other seat, ironically, but if I wanted a sleep I'd prefer this one.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 560
Sure you don’t mean the current A350/777 (long haul) seat? They you sleep at an angle which makes them effectively smaller.
07 Jan 2014
Total posts 41
Why oh why have they designed a seat with a shell that blocks part of the window?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 593
same problem with their new A380 seats as well.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Jan 2012
Total posts 177
Yes, defeats the purpose of having larger windows on the B787 if they block it with a seat design.
25 Nov 2016
Total posts 27
Oh my oh, the triangular shell case! That’s also the first detail I’ve noticed.
01 Apr 2018
Total posts 2
It seems the the (incompetent) designer completly ignores the windows, as nobody seems to want to enjoy the view :-( And this not only in 787-10, but also in the new A380 and A350. Have a look at EVA air B777-300 business class. There the seats are even in the direction of the windows and each seat has two windows to enjoy the view and they are perfectly aligned, congratulations. I will go for EVA air next time ...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2017
Total posts 87
David, you mention that the old 2-2-2 layout is gone, however I have booked a flight SQ248 MEL-SIN. Which seems as though its got the 2-2-2 layout (same as the A330 pictured above), my flight however is a B777-200er.
Are you saying all A330's have been converted to 1-2-1, and the 777200er remains?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2389
"Gone" in a metaphorical sense in keeping with the intro, not "gone" as is "SQ has scrapped them all overnight". No conversions. The Boeing 787-10s and later the regional Airbus A350s will replace the older jets with older seats – see https://www.executivetraveller.com/singapore-airlines-ramps-up-regional-fleet-with-boeing-787-airbus-350 for more on this.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2017
Total posts 87
Excellent, thanks!
19 Mar 2015
Total posts 9
This looks much better than even the current 77W and A380 seats which are actually dreadful in the sleeping position. Not sure how any thinks sleeping on concrete at a 45 degree angle with your foot stuck in a cubby hole for the size of a child’s foot is comfortable. Recently having flown SQ Aus to China after not having flown them in many years left me dissapointed. Food is very average, and that’s even with book the cook. The only real highlights were the cabin crew and lounge in Singapore other than that I would find it hard to justify paying extra to fly them anywhere. There are plenty of better and cheaper alternatives.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 560
I think you are over rating the SQ lounge in Singapore. IMO that is pretty ordinary too! To me SQ has always been overrated. To me what they do well is consistency, which isn’t always good.
29 Sep 2014
Total posts 13
Thank you for the thorough review. It looks like an excellent product for the stage lengths it will operate on. I think I prefer this more muted colour palette to the new A380 business class.
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 56
I love these thorough reports, nobody does them like AusBT and nobody else would take a 'free' trip and still be willing to make critical observations on the seat, in this case how narrow it is, although I can see where SQ is coming from because on most of its regional routes that will not be an issue. Well done AusBT and SQ!
19 Mar 2015
Total posts 9
Critically nobody ever mentions Emirates A380 business class seats are 18.5 inches wide....
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 91
IF that is true, I had no problem in those seats, which are also used on DL, AA 767's and other carriers, so lets not single out only EK. ALTHOUGH, I did feel the seat was not as wide on the 767s.
19 Mar 2015
Total posts 9
Neither DL or AA fly that product to Australia, whilst EK fly the A380 3 to 4 x daily to MEL, SYD.
19 Sep 2017
Total posts 11
will be on this plane on 12th April. Would love to try 11a/k!
Aegean Airlines - Miles & Bonus
17 Sep 2017
Total posts 17
This should have been their seat on the A380. And the width problem is solved by the A350 anyway as it is considerably wider than the 787. Using this as a regional business class when it looks better than their longhaul is just annoying.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1388
Nice looking seats and we'll designed (despite the width comments).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Aug 2016
Total posts 14
Thank you for the thorough review. Overall, it looks great. It also looks like they have individual air vents which would be fantastic if that is what they are.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 593
SQ don't let you pre-select the bassinet seats. They hold them in case people turn up on the day requiring bassinet seats who never requested one at the time of booking.
12 Feb 2014
Total posts 229
19 Feb 2018
Total posts 1
Thank you for your excellent and informative review David. SQ seems to have hit the right note again with this new product. The colour palette is fresh and modern. I think this will be a very popular choice with the airline's customers.
04 May 2011
Total posts 10
I surprised that Singapore Airlines don't put a mattress on top of seat when laying flat. I didn't find their seats comfortable at all.
23 Feb 2015
Total posts 263
My favourite business seat ever remains the original A380 SQ seat, which was also on 777. They were great!
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2015
Total posts 7
My sentiments exact! The 2007 Business Class was the first 1-2-1 layout for any major airline and it stilll looks impressive today.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2017
Total posts 87
100% agree with the above!
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 391
David, a great review with amazingly detailed photos.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2389
Leather. Good point, I'll add that in.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
24 Feb 2016
Total posts 18
Any visibility of the Economy cabin?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2389
No, as we tend not to cover economy on Australian Business Traveller, but plenty of other websites have covered it so a quick bit of Googling will work for you.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Mar 2015
Total posts 85
Surely "regional" will define 80% of their routes. So this set up will the vast %Of their fleet.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 May 2018
Total posts 13
felt like I was in a coffin on the "honeymoon " seat configuration.Had to change to one with easy access to the aisle.
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