Singapore Airlines upgraded its first class suites meant for the most premiere of its customers, as part of an $850 million product investment to fend off competition from Middle Eastern rivals.
The airline unveiled its first major overhaul across cabin classes of its Airbus SE A380s since 2007, when it became the first carrier to fly the double-decker aircraft.
They will enter service in December on the first of five new A380 aircraft joining its fleet, and the retrofit work will also take place on 14 existing aircraft, it said in a statement.
Singapore Airlines is also improving its business class, premium economy and economy products in the newly fitted A380s, the first of which will start flying from Singapore to Sydney on December 18.
The introduction of the new cabin products – in Suites, Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class - follows four years of development involving extensive customer feedback, the airline said.
Airlines have been trying outperform each other when comes to pampering the elite list of travelers. The new Singapore Air suites will have a separate bed, without the need for conversion from a sitting position, alongside the adjustable leather seat.
Middle Eastern airline Etihad Airways PJSC provides in-flight showers for first-class passengers on its A380s, and its Residence suites feature a lie-flat bed and a living area with a 32-inch television and private butler.
Shares in Singapore Airlines fell 0.5 percent to S$10.21 on the Singapore Exchange. The stock has gained 6 percent so far this year.
(With inputs from agencies)
