It’s important to remember that concepts are just the imagination of what could be. Even so, proposed designs by DCA Design International for new business and first class seats on Singapore Airlines suggest that the forward cabin is becoming even more luxurious. If they’re put into production, we might find them on Singapore’s A380 and the new A350, part of Singapore’s announcement to re-launch non-stop service from Singapore to Los Angeles and New York.
Concept images obtained by Australian Business Traveler indicate two major changes to the business and first class cabins on Singapore Airlines. In first class, the seat would be divided into two halves to make it easier for a couple to share the space. An ottoman could even let four people share the enclosed suite, although in my experience most first class suites aren’t really large enough to dine comfortably with more than one person.
Singapore’s Suites class already has an ottoman and door, so this is a further refinement of how to maximize the utility of all that space in a 1-2-1 configuration on one of the world’s largest aircraft. But the current lounge-style seat has a much more individual focus. I’m not sure how I feel about the couch-style seating in the new concept. It almost seems like it would be uncomfortable to sit in the middle if by myself.
The business class seats may also be getting an exciting change. I’ve always liked Singapore because their business class seats are nearly as large as those in first class — perhaps with a little less length and room for the feet when folded into bed mode. Enclosed doors are becoming more and more common in first class cabins, but this is the first time I’ve seen them in business class.
Again, we don’t really know if this is the direction that Singapore Airlines will go with the new A350 and, eventually, a refurbished A380 interior. The original press release only said that they would use “all new cabin products.” If these concepts are any indication of the direction Singapore is heading, I’m really looking forward to the official announcement.
