Singapore Airlines becomes the first carrier to put a double bed in cabins

Singapore Airlines, the first carrier to put a double bed in its cabins, is spending US$850 million to refit all of its Airbus SE A380 jets with the aim of taking airline luxury to a higher level.

On Thursday 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.

For the most premiere of its customers, it has cut the number of suites from 12 to six, allowing additional space and frills, such as a separate, fully adjustable seat with leather upholstery by Italy’s Poltrona Frau, as well as double bathrooms, one of which has a sit-down vanity counter.

The new Singapore Airlines suites will have a separate bed, without the need for conversion from a sitting position, alongside the adjustable leather seat.

The changes will be first introduced in five new super-jumbo aircraft it will receive progressively from this year, starting with the Singapore-Sydney flight on December 18.

Singapore Airlines also will retrofit its older A380s with the new products starting in late 2018, with a target for completion in 2020.

Airlines have been trying to outdo each other when it comes to pampering the upscale business traveller.

Goh Choon Phong, Singapore Airlines’ chief executive officer, is fending off intensifying competition, particularly from Middle Eastern carriers, such as Emirates, which in August introduced a revamped lounge inspired by private yacht cabins on its own A380s.