In a bid to stay ahead of Asian and Middle East rivals in the premium travel market, Singapore Airlines has said it plans to introduce revamped seats and cabin interiors with an upgraded in-flight entertainment.
SIA is regarded as a trendsetter in aviation and is famous for its cabin service, but rivals like Cathay Pacific in Asia and Etihad, Emirates and Gulf Air from the Middle East have been closing the gap while offering lower fares.
It said on Tuesday that it has hired BMW Group subsidiary Designworks USA and James Park Associates, two renowned design companies, to develop 'next generation of inflight cabin products' slated to be introduced next year.
The changes will include revamped seats, redesigned cabins and upgraded entertainment platforms as new passenger planes from Boeing and Airbus begin arriving.
Emphasis will be on first and business class which generate the bulk of its revenue but the airline said it will not overlook its economy class which will offer improved seat and headrest comfort.
New Boeing 777-300 ERs are expected to enter service in the second half of next year, followed progressively by Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, the airline said.
But the airline said its current fleet, which includes Airbus A380 superjumbos, can also be retrofitted with the new designs.
"In this business, if you are staying still, you are moving backwards as your competitors can catch up quickly ," said Tan Pee Teck, SIA's senior vice president for products and services. "It is therefore important to always be planning for the future."
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