Singapore Airlines has unveiled its new generation of seats, and in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems that will be introduced on eight new Boeing 777-300ERs and later on its Airbus A350-900s.
The Star Alliance carrier says it will be investing $150 million to fit the new products on the 777s, which will be available on the Singapore-London route from September.
SIA will install Panasonic Avionics eX3 IFEC system on the eight 777s. This follows last year's announcement that it would launch the eX3 system on its A350 fleet. Key features of the system include new touchscreen handsets and the addition of HDMI input ports in first and business class, as well as USB and eXPort ports. Seats in all classes also have larger LCD displays.
The system will also introduce Panasonic's Global Communication Suite for onboard connectivity. SIA already utilises the OnAir connectivity solution on 21 of its Airbus A380s and 777-300ERs.
SIA will also roll out new seats, which have been designed in association with DesignWorksUSA and James Park Associates, across all three classes.
The airline's new first class suite features a fixed-back shell design, with an increased seat width of 35in (89cm). The bed has also been lengthened from 80in to 82in and has an additional mattress layer. The suite also features a 24in LCD display for IFE.
© Singapore Airlines
The new business class seat offers a 132 degrees of recline and improved ergonomic cushion, as well as two new seating positions. When converted to a flat-bed, the seat extends to 78in. The seats will also have an 18in LCD screen.
© Singapore Airlines
The new economy class seats have a design that the airline says will provide additional personal space and legroom, as well as new backrests and side bolsters for better back support. It also features a larger 11.1in LCD display.
© Singapore Airlines
These new products will first be fitted on to eight 777-300ERs that the airline is receiving from August 2013. Flightglobal's Ascend Online Fleets database shows that the airline will take delivery of four aircraft by the end of 2013, three in 2014 and one in 2015.
"The significant investment in our next generation of cabin products reaffirms our commitment to product innovation and leadership, and demonstrates our confidence in the future for premium full-service air travel," said SIA's executive vice-president commercial Mak Swee Wah.
SIA is also scheduled to take delivery of its first A350 in January 2015.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
