-
Singapore Airlines unveiled one of the world’s most luxurious first class offerings for the Airbus A380, as part of an $850 million product investment as it tries to retain premium customers amid tough competition from industry rivals like Etihad Airways and Emirates. (Reuters Photo)
-
The spacious suites on its A380 will rival those of Middle Eastern rivals Etihad Airways and Emirates for the crown of the world’s top first class, although unlike those airlines, Singapore Airlines has chosen not to install in-flight showers. (Reuters Photo)
They will enter service in December on the first of five new A380 aircraft joining its fleet, and the retrofit work will also take place on 14 existing aircraft, it said in a statement. (Reuters Photo) 
The new A380s will have six first class seats, compared with 12 on the older ones. (Reuters Photo) 
Some carriers, including United Airlines and Qantas Airways, have not installed first class on newer aircraft given a much higher demand for business class, which now often has fully flat-beds that were once exclusive to first class. (Reuters Photo) 
But for other airlines, first class remains a showpiece for attracting elite passengers and for broader brand marketing. (Reuters Photo) 
Singapore Airlines offers first class customers a choice of Dom Perignon or Krug Champagne and suites that can combine into a double bed for passengers traveling together. (Reuters Photo) -
Singapore Airlines is also improving its business class, premium economy and economy products in the newly fitted A380s, the first of which will start flying from Singapore to Sydney on Dec. 18. (Reuters Photo)
In 2007, Sydney was the destination for the A380’s first-ever commercial flight on Singapore Airlines. The Singaporean carrier is a major player in the highly competitive “Kangaroo route” between Australia and Europe. (Reuters Photo) 
Singapore Airlines and Hong Kong-based rival Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd are struggling against mounting international competition from Chinese and Middle Eastern rivals, without domestic flights to underpin their earnings. (Reuters Photo) 
After a surprise fourth-quarter loss, Singapore Airlines set up a dedicated transformation office to review its strategy in May, although it has not released a cost-cutting target. (Reuters Photo)
