Why Singapore Airlines is worth every cent in Business Class

The cabin features 42 bespoke Jamco designed seats in a 1-2-1 layout, offering direct aisle access for every passenger. Window seats are ideal for solo travellers, while the middle pair suits couples. The seat offers a 60-inch pitch, 28-inch width, and a 78-inch fully flat bed, with the generous width being a standout advantage compared with other A350 operators. 

Seat storage includes a footwell cubby, laptop compartment (restricted during taxi, take-off, and landing), a small item compartment plus mirror beside the IFE screen, and a table space, inclusive of a deep stowage area housing the headphones. Power options include two USB-A ports and a universal outlet. 

The 18-inch HD IFE screen, however, is not touch enabled, requiring use of the handheld remote, an unusual choice for a premium cabin in 2025. The tray table provides a large work and dining surface, though mobility is limited when deployed. However, the table can be raised and lowered which is not usually seen on business class tables.  

The seat reclines electronically, but the conversion to lie-flat requires manual input, which somewhat diminishes the premium feel. The lack of individual air vents is also notable. Lighting options are good, including overhead reading lights and adjustable lighting within the seat.  

Cabin presentation was strong on both flights. Despite the aircraft being eight years old (outbound), seats were in full working order with only light wear typical of age. Branding on bulkhead walls is minimal, and a slightly stronger use of Singapore Airlines’ identity here could enhance cabin ambience. 

As a part of the excellent Singapore Airlines catering service, passengers can use the Book the Cook service through manage booking. Passengers can select from a variety of meals up to 48-hours before departure through Singapore Airlines’ Book the Cook service. Otherwise, passengers can choose from the menu presented within the seat on boarding. All onboard dining is dine on demand, allowing for passenger flexibility between dining, working, and resting.  

 With the first beverage service, crew served a small plate of Singapore Airlines’ signature satay skewers, which were adequately presented and the taste matched. The skewers were cold, and the sauce lacked a deep and rich peanut flavour, whereas just chilli and sweetness came through. These were not served on the inbound flight, causing inconsistencies.  Further adding to the inconsstsnecy, a colleague on a subsequent medium haul flight found the Satay an absolute highlight and hot too!

The Yellowfin Tuna appetiser on the outbound flight was beautifully presented and matched by flavour. Bread service is excellent, with over five options served warm from a linen-lined basket. The inbound appetiser of a prawn salad was of an acceptable quality but lacked the premium feel in relation to the outbound.  

The short rib Book the Cook main course was plated directly from a galley trolley on the outbound sector, reducing the sense of personalisation expected in Business Class. Nevertheless, flavours were strong and textures well executed; only the mac and cheese side could have used a richer cheese profile. A pork dumpling noodle dish Book the Cook main course was served on the inbound, with presentation being acceptable but the taste excellent.  

Desserts are showcased on a tray, each covered with a plastic lid. While visually helpful for passengers, the plastic coverings detract slightly from the premium feel — particularly given competitors offering refined dessert trolleys. The dark chocolate crémeux, however, was superb, easily ranking among the best Business Class desserts available. Crew did not present desserts to passengers on the inbound, with the chocolate parfait being of an excellent quality and taste.  

Both flights offered a pre-landing breakfast service, with Singaporean beef noodles selected on the outbound sector and nasi lemak on the inbound. Breakfast began with a choice of fresh fruit or muesli, although crew did not proactively ask for passenger preferences. All breakfast dishes were well presented and consistent with the high quality seen throughout the wider meal services. 

Across both sectors, a snack menu was available on demand throughout the flight, including crisps, chocolates, noodle soups, sandwiches, nuts, and more. The pork sandwich and coronation chicken sandwich were sampled, both demonstrating strong flavour, freshness, and overall high quality. 

A comprehensive drinks list includes champagne, wines, cocktails (including an excellent Singapore Sling), mocktails, spirits, barista coffees, dairy drinks, and wellness teas. 

Singapore Airlines does not place a full amenity kit at each seat, a departure from industry norms. Kits are available on request, but not advertised, and presented in a recycled black pouch containing moisturiser, face mist, and lip balm. Other items such as eye masks, dental kits, and socks are available exclusively in the lavatories as part of the airline’s sustainability model. 

The A350 long-haul configuration features three lavatories for the 42-seat cabin (a ratio of 14 passengers per lavatory). They are compact but well presented, consistently spotless, and equipped with small premium touches such as flowers. Crew are diligent in refreshing them after each use

Singapore Airlines’ A350-900 Business Class continues to deliver a consistently premium experience, combining excellent service, generous seat width, high-quality catering, and strong cabin presentation. While certain features, such as the non-touch IFE screen, lack of individual air vents, and the absence of a standard amenity kit soften the highest-end feel, the overall offering remains competitive and refined. 

Looking ahead, Singapore Airlines is set to significantly elevate its long-haul experience. The airline has announced a S$1.1 billion investment to install all new cabin products across 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ULR aircraft, including a brand new First Class cabin for the ultra long range fleet. The upcoming next generation Business Class seat, which will debut on both the A350 retrofit programme and the future Boeing B777-9, promises enhanced privacy, comfort, and ergonomics, directly addressing several of the limitations identified in the current product. Premium Economy and Economy will also receive refreshed cabins, ensuring a fully updated experience across all classes. 

A new, more personalised version of the KrisWorld IFE system will accompany these seats, featuring upgraded screens in First and Business Class and expanded lifestyle options cabin-wide. 

This major retrofit programme reaffirms Singapore Airlines’ commitment to maintaining its position as one of the world’s leading premium carriers. With the first retrofitted A350 entering service in 2026 and the programme completing by 2030, the airline is preparing to redefine long-haul travel once again, combining next-generation hardware with the signature service its cabin crew are renowned for.