Singapore Airlines unveils widest seats, bigger screens

MANILA, Philippines - Comfort has reached new heights with Singapore Airlines (SIA)’s new look, which will have expanded and more comfortable seats for all classes – first, business and economy – to provide utmost convenience and comfort to its passengers.

SIA is spending approximately $150 million to install the new seats, initially in at least eight of its aircraft within the next two years.

In a speech during the launch of the New Generation Cabins yesterday, SIA regional vice president for Southeast Asia Philip Goh said they want to invest heavily on the more spacious seats as a way of thanking passengers for continued patronage of SIA.

“Singapore Airlines is committed to make air travel more comfortable and hassle-free, and we have been investing heavily in new aircraft, seat and cabin products and services. Just on our new generation seats alone, we are investing $150 million to install new seats for first class, business class and economy class on our latest Boeing 777-300 deliveries,” he said.

Goh said the new seats would also be fitted on the new A350 aircraft joining their fleet by next year.

According to Goh, the seats are a result of more than two years of effort, a design collaboration with world-renowned design companies like BMW Design-works USA and James Park Associates of the UK.

Goh said the B777-300 aircraft fitted with the new seats are now in service on their flights to London.

SIA has been operating in Manila for 48 years, starting with only three flights every week. Now it is flying four times a day.

Goh said offering these more comfortable seats is also one way of helping the Philippines boost its tourism sector.

“We will continue to play our part to contribute to the growth of the Philippine aviation and tourism industries. We hope that the country will surpass its target for tourism arrivals every year,” Goh said.

“Our wish is to see and to facilitate more Filipinos traveling abroad and for more foreign visitors to experience your beautiful and existing land. They may do so conveniently, and enjoy endearing airline services,” he added.

In line with the launch of the newly renovated seating design, SIA has rolled out special promotional offers and airfares starting last Feb. 1.

The Next Generation Cabins would be highlighted in a SIA Showcase at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center which will run until tomorrow.

SIA has partnered with the Ayala Malls, the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecoms, the British Council and Singapore Tourism Board in coming up with this unique showcase.

SIA’s new first class, designed by BMW, boasts of a personal 24-inch LCD screen, longer and wider seats, padded headboards and an additional mattress layer.

Lights on each side of the seat have three different intensities of lighting to suit different passengers’ needs at varying positions in both seat and bed modes.

Designed together with James Park Associates, the new business class, on the other hand, sports a more contemporary design with a curvaceous shell, metallic colors and luxurious soft furnishing.

The new business class seats are still the widest in the sky, featuring greater recline with new seating positions and an all-in-one business panel. It also has varying lighting options to suit every passenger’s mood.

The new economy class, meanwhile, is now more comfortable with more knee and leg room, a unique and moveable headrest, plush seat cushions featuring bolstered sides for increased sitting comfort and in-seat power supply to charge and connect personal devices.