The live press launch event has now finished. We were delighted to be there to experience the products first hand and we think the biggest news to come out of the event was the new Business Class.
Why?
Well, very little detail about the new Business Class product was leaked in advance, except for the fact that it was “new” and the seat map – shown below.
Based on that seat map, we had assumed that it would similar to the A350 product. As we stated in our article about the leaks, we were surprised that more business class seats – 78 – had been squeezed into a space that previously accommodated only 66.
How have they managed it?
Well, according to the media release we received:
A unique feature of the new Business Class seat is that it has a carbon fibre composite shell structure, as compared to conventional aircraft seats which use metal as the primary support structure. This thinner base structure allows for better optimisation of the seat and creates more under-seat stowage space to accommodate a full-sized cabin bag and laptop bag or handbag.
So the reduced footprint of the seat and some clever design has allowed them to fit more seats – without compromising comfort.
Seat Design
The seat was designed by JPA Design, a UK company, with whom Singapore Airlines have a long-standing relationship. They designed several of their previous seats and have been awarded various Skytrax honours over the years. The seat will be manufactured by JAMCO.
All middle pairs now transform into a double bed. This is certainly a rival to the Qatar Q-suites, where only every-other row is capable the double bed configuration. In the middle pair, your head is