Two aircraft cabin seats can be combined into a two-seater sofa or converted into a fully flat bed slightly larger than a standard double.

This is a new feature that Singapore Airlines (SIA) is introducing in first class cabins on its Boeing 777-9 and Airbus A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft. Measuring 80 inches (about 203cm) long and 60 inches (about 152cm) wide, it is also the world’s largest double bed in a commercial aircraft cabin.

The first-class double bed being introduced as part of the upgrade is the world’s largest in a commercial aircraft cabin.（Courtesy of Singapore Airlines）
The first-class double bed being introduced as part of the upgrade is the world’s largest in a commercial aircraft cabin.（Courtesy of Singapore Airlines）

SIA is revamping the cabins of its long-haul aircraft, with designs focused on greater passenger privacy, more legroom and storage space, and improved ergonomics for more comfortable seating.

In first class, the new seats feature curved sliding doors for greater privacy. The divider between the two centre seats can be fully retracted, allowing passengers travelling together to share the space.

The cabin includes personal wardrobes, vanity drawers and luggage storage. The seat wings, lumbar support and leg rests are electrically adjustable. Premium leather from Italian brand Poltrona Frau is paired with a soft blue-grey colour palette.

Ryan Hudson, president of the interiors business at Collins Aerospace, which manufactures the first-class cabins, said some components of the new cabins are made from composite materials to reduce weight while ensuring the aircraft achieves the desired fuel efficiency and overall performance.

The cabin lighting has also been specially designed. Hudson said the human eye is sensitive to subtle differences in light, so the company updated its LED lighting technology to ensure consistent lighting throughout the cabin.

In developing the first-class seats, special attention was paid to lighting in different parts of the cabin and the brightness of individual fittings. Batik patterns on the seat backs and dividers incorporate elements of local culture.（The Straits Times）
In developing the first-class seats, special attention was paid to lighting in different parts of the cabin and the brightness of individual fittings. Batik patterns on the seat backs and dividers incorporate elements of local culture.（The Straits Times）

Every stage of producing the cabin seats, from selecting and cutting the leather to stitching and quality checks, is carried out by hand by craftspeople.

The leather upholstery for the first-class seats is produced by British aircraft interiors design and manufacturing company Sabeti Wain Aerospace. Its director, Paymen Sabeti, said in an interview that leather is a natural material and each hide differs in texture and condition. Staff must therefore inspect every inch to ensure it is free of flaws or scratches.（The Straits Times）
The leather upholstery for the first-class seats is produced by British aircraft interiors design and manufacturing company Sabeti Wain Aerospace. Its director, Paymen Sabeti, said in an interview that leather is a natural material and each hide differs in texture and condition. Staff must therefore inspect every inch to ensure it is free of flaws or scratches.（The Straits Times）

New business-class design refined more than 100 times

Business class will feature sliding doors for the first time, along with electrically adjustable centre dividers between seats to give passengers privacy.

The height of the privacy doors was carefully considered to provide sufficient privacy without making passengers feel confined in a small space.（The Straits Times）
The height of the privacy doors was carefully considered to provide sufficient privacy without making passengers feel confined in a small space.（The Straits Times）

The seats recline fully flat, forming beds 79 inches (about 201cm) long and up to 24 inches (about 61cm) wide. Some centre seats can also be converted into double beds for passengers travelling together when the divider is lowered.

Designworks, which co-designed the business-class cabin with SIA, is a BMW Group design company. Its chief executive, Julia de Bono, said in an interview that the team wanted to give business class a distinctive identity, setting it apart from first class with a more modern, futuristic design.

The cabin design draws inspiration from the three-pronged form of the Juno space probe, conveying ideas of innovation, flexibility and flight, complemented by striking yellow lines.（Courtesy of Singapore Airlines）
The cabin design draws inspiration from the three-pronged form of the Juno space probe, conveying ideas of innovation, flexibility and flight, complemented by striking yellow lines.（Courtesy of Singapore Airlines）

The team focused on improving passengers’ sleeping experience and providing more foot space. To free up room, it also redesigned the way the tray table is stowed, positioning it at an angle to give passengers more space to stretch their legs.

The height of the privacy doors was carefully considered to provide sufficient privacy without making passengers feel confined in a small space.

Mark Hiller, chief executive officer of German seat manufacturer RECARO, which is producing the business-class cabins, said one challenge was fitting privacy doors without taking up too much space. The doors had to be lightweight and slim while providing sufficient privacy.

“Even the seat’s tray table was raised and lowered 100,000 times in repeated tests to simulate about 10 years of use and ensure the components are durable.”

Cabin seats must undergo a range of dynamic tests, including downward impact tests to simulate conditions that may occur during landing. Flammability tests are also conducted to ensure the materials meet fire safety requirements. These assess not only individual materials but also how different materials perform when combined.（The Straits Times）
Cabin seats must undergo a range of dynamic tests, including downward impact tests to simulate conditions that may occur during landing. Flammability tests are also conducted to ensure the materials meet fire safety requirements. These assess not only individual materials but also how different materials perform when combined.（The Straits Times）