Suite new A380, but is it the business?

Singapore Airlines unveils new superjumbo seats and layout

As the first details of Singapore Airlines’ new Airbus A380 configuration leaked out in November, your author wondered where the classic SQ wow factor has gone. Ten years ago, the carrier launched the A380 (remember “first to fly”?) and introduced the first doored suites. With suites now flying in business class as Qatar Airways’ Q Suite and on Delta Air Lines’ new Airbus A350, Singapore Airlines finds itself playing catchup.

Let’s look at the numbers. Singapore Airlines’ A380 refit is the second major second-generation A380 cabin refit, after Qantas (see Cabin Pressure, October 2017). Where Qantas offers 14 first class seats, 70 in business, 60 in premium economy, and 341 economy seats, Singapore Airlines’ A380s will have six of the new first class suites, 78 of the new business seats, 44 in premium economy and 343 in Economy.